The RCMP is facing yet another allegation of harassment and sexual assault from a female officer - the latest Mountie to allege she was abused on the job - and says she was unable to convince her superiors to intervene.
Const. Karen Katz, who worked for the national police force in Vancouver until taking medical leave in February 2009, filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court this week targeting fellow officer Baldev (David) Singh Bamra, as well as both the federal and provincial governments.
Katz is among several Mounties to make such allegations in recent months, which has prompted the RCMP's new commissioner to vow he'll root out such "dark-hearted behaviour" from the force.
Katz and Bamra worked for the RCMP's protective services division in Vancouver. Katz's statement of claim, which contains unproven allegations that have yet to be tested in court, alleges Bamra started a "campaign" of complaining about her to their colleagues.
Katz says she asked to be transferred to a different watch in 2006, but the statement of claim says Bamra was later transferred to the same watch.
Once there, his behaviour escalated, says the court document.
Katz alleges Bamra began "a pattern of erratic physical conduct," such as slamming into Katz's chest while wearing his bulletproof vest, and grabbing Katz in a bear hug.
The behaviour culminated in 2007, alleges the statement of claim, when Bamra pinned Katz on a desk and pushed his genitals against her until she was able to free herself.
Katz is seeking unspecified damages. Neither the RCMP nor Bamra has filed a statement of defence.
Cpl. Annie Linteau of the RCMP said the force couldn't comment on the allegations, but she said the force has launched an internal review and has brought in the Vancouver police to conduct a criminal investigation. The Vancouver police confirmed it was investigating but declined to comment further.
Linteau did not know whether the allegations have affected Bamra's status on the force.
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