Calgary police officer facing $3 million dollar lawsuit for sexual harrassment - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Arya Stark · 09-04-2014, 11:49 PM

http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/09/04...-domestic-case

"What started off as a domestic violence complaint turned into months of sexual harassment by a city cop against a Calgary woman and her family, a nearly $3-million lawsuit claims.
The claim alleges a constable investigating the woman’s case instead made her the target of his unwanted advances."

Can't believe an officer would have such bad judgment.

Does anyone know if the taxpayers would be on the hook for the lawsuit if he loses?

REDVAN · 09-05-2014, 09:07 AM

I'll wait to see some evidence before saying the officer had bad judgement.

terminator · 09-05-2014, 09:11 AM

lol........ man what is the police upto these days? Its nearly as if we need police for the police for the police of the people.

dissentowner · 09-05-2014, 09:26 AM

Maybe the officer did but I bet there is more to this story than what appears here. Oh, and in before codynw's "all cops are evil" rant.

Hockeyguy15 · 09-05-2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Maybe the officer did but I bet there is more to this story than what appears here. Oh, and in before codynw's "all cops are evil" rant.

I think he is too busy with the NHL 15 thread.

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Maybe the officer did but I bet there is more to this story than what appears here. Oh, and in before codynw's "all cops are evil" rant.

I can't wait for Driveway to chime in as well.

I will reserve judgement until an investigation is completed or the suit settled/heard.

If it turns out that buddy did, in fact do what is alleged, I hope strong discipline if taken against him. The police are entrusted with significant power, and as such the repercussions of missusing/abusing that power should be significant as well.

codynw · 09-05-2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Maybe the officer did but I bet there is more to this story than what appears here. Oh, and in before codynw's "all cops are evil" rant.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

I think he is too busy with the NHL 15 thread.

I'm popular.

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

Does anyone know if the taxpayers would be on the hook for the lawsuit if he loses?

Without reading the pleadings, it might be split between the City (which I think self insurers, and the police and maybe the union/association).

All guess on my part thou.

GGG · 09-05-2014, 09:51 AM

There are basically two options as to what happened here based on the article. One, the officer used his position of authority to threaten to take away this womens children to try to establish a relationship or the women being angry that the officer was reporting correctly to child services is using this case to discredit the officer.

The good news with this case is that per the article there should be text messages to back up the women's claims so it won't be just a he said, she said case and the women will be able to get justice.

If found true I would hope for immediate termination of the officer and an investigation into criminal charges. One thing I do find odd is that the civil suit is coming first before the police investigation. If a complaint was made about an officer to the police that would have been investigated wouldn't it of?

RinkRat · 09-05-2014, 10:10 AM

He'll be suspended with pay while the whole thing sorts itself out I imagine, the civil suit could lead to charges by the crown, which at the same time will lead to a discipline hearing stemming from the complaint, assuming one was made at the same time or prior to the civil suit by the service which could lead to termination especially if the accused is guilty in the civil suit, criminal charges can actually take place well after either of those events.

I have zero sympathy for officers behaving in such a way, but I've also seen many officers dragged through the mud on witch hunts through fictitious claims. The disciplinary process is quite extensive as well, essentially a trial but with people who have genuine experience. Not simply a lawyer looking to make bank.

Burninator · 09-05-2014, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terminator

Its nearly as if we need police for the police for the police of the people.

Coastguard.

Arya Stark · 09-05-2014, 10:36 AM

A question for the lawyers here: would a lawyer take a case like this if they weren't convinced it was a legitimate claim?

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

A question for the lawyers here: would a lawyer take a case like this if they weren't convinced it was a legitimate claim?

There is a lawyer for every case.....

Arya Stark · 09-05-2014, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

There is a lawyer for every case.....

No there isn't.....you can represent yourself but that still didn't answer my question.

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

No there isn't.....you can represent yourself but that still didn't answer my question.

Yes there is.

Arya Stark · 09-05-2014, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Yes there is.

Please explain how someone has a lawyer if they're representing themselves.

RinkRat · 09-05-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

No there isn't.....you can represent yourself but that still didn't answer my question.

As long as a Lawyer sees some form a compensation on the horizon they will take a case, even if they know the claim is bunk. You might not end up with the most dedicated or even competent lawyer but you will find one for a price.

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

Please explain how someone has a lawyer if they're representing themselves.

nope

undercoverbrother · 09-05-2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RinkRat

As long as a Lawyer sees some form a compensation on the horizon they will take a case, even if they know the claim is bunk. You might not end up with the most dedicated or even competent lawyer but you will find one for a price.

There are many lawyers that make a living never stepping in a courtroom, in fact I reckon they are the smart lawyers......

Resolute 14 · 09-05-2014, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Stark

Please explain how someone has a lawyer if they're representing themselves.

That is not the question you asked originally. You asked if a lawyer would take the case if they weren't convinced that the claim was legitimate. And the answer to that is yes. Look deep enough, and you will find a lawyer willing to take on anything. You likely won't find a good lawyer if the claim is completely unbelievable, but given the glut of lawyers (especially in the states), desperation and desire for a paycheque leads to bad decisions.

The fact that some people are occasionally foolish enough to try and represent themselves in such significant cases does not, in and of itself, constitute an argument that a lawyer could not be found.