Police Sergeant Demoted for Harassing LGBTQ+ Officers with Inappropriate Comments

A police sergeant from Edmonton, Canada has faced disciplinary action and a demotion for engaging in inappropriate behavior and making offensive remarks about LGBTQ+ colleagues over a period spanning August 2021 to July 2022.

Sergeant Faces Demotion After Inappropriate Conduct

Sergeant Ken Smith, a veteran of the Edmonton Police Service with 22 years of service and six years at the rank of sergeant, has been demoted to the rank of constable. This decision came after a disciplinary hearing which concluded that Smith had shown "no meaningful" remorse for his conduct, which included harassment and crude comments directed at gay officers.

The demotion resulted in a significant reduction in his responsibilities and a $14,000 cut in his annual salary. The hearing was conducted by Fred Kamins, a retired chief superintendent with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who emphasized the inappropriateness of Smith's actions.

The incidents in question reportedly occurred while Smith was stationed at the Eastwood Police Station. In one instance, he allegedly told a constable that two gay officers should not work together as they might engage in sexual activities in a patrol vehicle. Similar comments were made in June 2022, where he reportedly suggested that two constables would likely have gay sex while on duty.

Smith allegedly told one of the officers he could work with the other if he promised "there would not be any hanky-panky in the car." Such remarks were reportedly made multiple times over the course of a year.

Targeting LGBTQ+ Officers with Inappropriate Remarks

In another incident, Smith reportedly singled out three gay officers during a pre-shift meeting, pointing out that they sat together and making a comment about the "straight side of the table." This was followed by labeling the officers as "enlightened" and asking them to share stories with the rest of the attendees.

These actions and comments were not only deemed inappropriate but were also surprising given Smith's prior involvement in his station's diversity and hate crimes units. In 2011, Smith had even received a municipal Pride Award, which makes his recent behavior all the more perplexing.

Kamins, who authored the report on Smith's conduct, expressed disbelief at the sergeant's lack of awareness regarding the inappropriateness of his comments, especially coming from someone in a leadership position who had previously been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. "How could the sergeant not understand that his comments were unsuitable and highly inappropriate for the workplace?" Kamins questioned in his report.

Consequences and Future Prospects

During the investigation, Smith's testimony was characterized as evasive and noncommittal, with Kamins noting that Smith either attempted to be "cute," was intentionally evasive, or simply obtuse in his responses. Such behavior did not bode well for his prospects of retaining his rank.

In cross-examination, Smith reportedly denied being present at the station during the alleged incidents, a claim that was not accepted by the disciplinary board. His tendency to shift blame onto his subordinates was noted as bordering on victim blaming, with Kamins describing Smith's actions as "willful misdirection."

As a result of the disciplinary action, Smith will be ineligible for promotion for two years. Any future advancement would require commendations from his supervisor and the police chief. Despite the ruling, Smith has the option to appeal the decision.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace environment. It highlights the need for accountability at all levels within law enforcement and the broader community.

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