Vancouver police urged to adopt sexual harassment training as veteran officer admits misconduct
The Vancouver Police Department’s longest-serving sergeant is facing a demotion and a 20-day suspension after admitting to sending unwelcome, sexualized messages to five separate women. The misconduct allegations against Sgt. Keiron McConnell highlight the issue of sexual harassment within the VPD.
During a public hearing, counsel for the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner called on the VPD to implement standalone sexual harassment training as part of a deal to resolve the allegations against McConnell. Brian Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining high ethical standards among all police officers, especially those in supervisory roles. He noted that concerns about sexual harassment and toxic workplace cultures in law enforcement are widespread.
The hearing took place in a courtroom filled with spectators, including many police officers. McConnell, who has been with the VPD since 1988 and holds a doctorate, sat alongside his legal team as the proceedings unfolded. The agreed statement of facts revealed that McConnell had engaged in discreditable conduct towards five women between 2015 and 2019.
The women included two female officers who worked under McConnell and three university students who had interactions with him. The messages sent by McConnell contained sexual remarks, causing the recipients to feel degraded and anxious. One student even decided not to pursue a career in policing due to McConnell’s inappropriate behavior.
If the proposed discipline is accepted, McConnell will be demoted to a first-class constable, suspended without pay for 20 days, and prohibited from working in a supervisory capacity for the next year. Additionally, he has offered apologies to all five women involved in the incidents.
Both sides presented their arguments during the hearing, with McConnell’s lawyer citing his client’s ignorance of the dynamics at play. She also mentioned McConnell’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, resulting from his decades of service in law enforcement.
The outcome of the hearing will be decided by former provincial court chief judge Carol Baird Ellan, who has reserved her decision until after May 6. The case underscores the importance of addressing sexual harassment within police departments and ensuring that all officers receive proper training to prevent such behavior in the future.
