N.L. government orders review of Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
The Newfoundland and Labrador government has launched an independent review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary after a growing number of sexual assault allegations surfaced against police officers.
Justice Minister John Hogan issued a statement Tuesday saying the review will examine the workplace culture and governance practices of the provincial police service.
In August, lawyer Lynn Moore said 15 women had approached her with allegations against nine RNC officers -- eight of whom have since retired. Moore has said the women were not interested in presenting their claims to police.
Last month, a provincial Crown prosecutor asked a judge to sentence an RNC officer to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a young woman. A jury convicted Const. Carl Douglas Snelgrove in May of sexually assaulting the woman in her home after he gave her a ride home from a St. John's nightclub in December 2014.
And in July, RNC Supt. Tom Warren confirmed the force was looking into sexual assault allegations against four officers.
On Tuesday, Hogan stressed the review will not constitute a formal investigation and is expected to take six months to complete. The minister, however, said the process will involve the "candid participation" of uniformed officers of all ranks and civilian employees.
"We are committed to continuous organizational improvement across all government departments and agencies, including the RNC," Hogan said in a statement.
"This review will ensure a healthy workplace at the RNC to allow the delivery and enhancement of policing services."
The review will be led by Harriet Lewis, a lawyer with more than 25 years' experience in mediation and governance.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary employs about 400 officers. They serve the eastern Avalon region, which includes St. John's, as well as Corner Brook in western Newfoundland and the western part of Labrador. The RCMP cover the rest of the province.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.