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Vancouver Police Sergeant Faces Disciplinary Action for Misconduct

A sergeant with the Vancouver Police Department, who has also held teaching positions at various universities in British Columbia, has acknowledged allegations of discreditable conduct involving unsolicited sexualized messages aimed at fellow officers and female students.

Sgt. Keiron McConnell, who serves in the department’s gang crime unit, is currently undergoing a public hearing convened by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner. This hearing follows multiple complaints lodged by women regarding his behavior, which reportedly spans several years.

During the proceedings, it was disclosed that McConnell sent inappropriate and unwanted messages, including queries about the color of a recipient’s underwear and their sexual preferences. These revelations have raised substantial concerns about his professional conduct.

Marilyn Sandford, the legal representative for the public hearing, informed adjudicator Carol Baird Ellan that McConnell has willingly accepted a series of disciplinary actions including a reduction in rank and a 20-day suspension. In addition, he is to undergo corrective measures aimed at addressing his inappropriate behavior.

Sandford emphasized that McConnell has taken “accountability” for his actions. She noted that the women involved perceived him as a figure of authority, which contributed to their hesitance in reporting his behavior to both the police department and the educational institutions at which he taught. This dynamic underscores the challenges faced by individuals in positions of authority and the implications for those who may feel vulnerable in reporting misconduct.

Consensus has been reached among McConnell’s legal team, the public hearing officials, and the complaint commissioner regarding resolutions to the allegations, which involve complaints from seven women, all protected under a publication ban.

The case illustrates broader issues within policing and education regarding power dynamics and the importance of accountability in tackling inappropriate conduct.

Source
globalnews.ca