An RCMP adjudicator has determined that three constables from British Columbia displayed disrespectful and discriminatory behavior by sharing racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks in a group chat with colleagues and on police computer systems.
Following an investigation, Louise Morel found that Coquitlam constables Mersad Mesbah, Ian Solven, and Philip Dick breached the RCMP’s code of conduct and engaged in discreditable conduct through their comments. However, other allegations regarding workplace harassment were dismissed.
The incident came to light when CBC News initially reported on the offensive messages in September 2024, leading to increased scrutiny of the Coquitlam detachment.
During the code of conduct hearing earlier this year, Supt. Darren Carr, the head of Coquitlam RCMP, described the officers’ actions as “a campaign of hate.”
The allegations against Solven, Dick, and Mesbah surfaced when a fellow officer raised concerns about what he perceived as appalling, racist, and offensive behavior by his peers.
Morel stated that the comments were not only discourteous and disrespectful but also discreditable, potentially eroding public trust in the RCMP when shared in chats.
During the hearing, Morel highlighted various messages that she characterized as racist, sexist, and homophobic during nearly three hours of review.
She emphasized the inappropriateness of comments such as references to a female being raped by multiple individuals, labeling an RCMP unit in a derogatory manner, and demeaning a victim of criminal sexual assault.
Regarding Dick, the messages included derogatory references such as “the big turban man” and “the useless short tubby Asian.”
Concerning Mesbah, messages containing offensive terms like “retarded” were highlighted by Morel.
Morel concluded that the messages reflected a mindset that questioned the public’s right to equal and fair treatment.
She stated that the comments, being racist, sexist, and homophobic, were insulting based on factors like race, color, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
