SHAME ON THE BULLIES & COWARDS AT THE WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE

And further shame on each and every current and past Police Chief, and every past and current civilian Police Services Board members who have been approached for help and done nothing. And further shame upon all senior management, deputy chiefs and superintendents who decided to look the other way. And yes shame upon any female members of the force who played the game exactly as senior police members wanted and advanced while not using their authority to help other women maltreated on the job. Last but not least here's to you Ken and all the other senior politicians in the Region of Waterloo, male and female, who decided not to rock the boat but to allow this disgusting behaviour to continue, to fester and to lessen and demean the integrity, ethics and morals of what should be an institution devoted to truth, justice and decency.

Today's Waterloo Region Record carries the following story titled "More officers join suit against regional police". The story was very well written by Liz Monteiro of the Record. It is very disturbing and any decent human being, male or female, should be appalled by the behaviours described. All of us have said or done inappropriate things over the decades. Whether an unwanted advance, a dirty joke, a wolf whistle or even telling dumb blonde jokes; as human beings we all fail sometimes. That said the behaviours described in today's Record are not occasional, they are not a momentary failure or thoughtless word or deed. They are intentionally demeaning and intentionally derogatory. It is a majority of individuals (male), in positions of superior authority and physical strength (generally) abusing their authority. It is bullying by a pack of cowards, plain and simple.

Keep in mind readers that to date none of these allegations in today's Record have been proven in court. Keep in mind that my strong opinions on the matter have been shaped by decades working here in Ontario including being involved with a sexual harassment case years ago at the City of Waterloo. There certain members of the male dominated Public Works Department routinely harassed female employees in front of me. The superior attitude and arrogance of these male workers including supervisers provoked me to take action. The City of Waterloo eventually also took action. In fact a later disgraced Tom Stockie (due to Rim Park fiasco) actually stepped up and did the right thing. Kudos to him. Another kudo goes to municipal politician Lynne Woolstencroft whom I recall as being very helpful. Who in senior management at the Waterloo Regional Police will step up?