Abuse of Authority

• At a local community pool a dispute erupted between one of the lifeguards on duty and the mother of several children swimming in the pool. Animosity between the disputants and their respective families was long-standing and well known in the community. Immediately after the encounter, the lifeguard's father, an RCMP officer, was informed of the incident. Although not in uniform, the officer was at the detachment and on duty at the time of the call. The officer made his way to the pool where he accused the mother of committing a breach of the peace by not leaving the pool as requested by his daughter. He instructed the mother to leave the pool or she would be placed under arrest.

It is the Commission's view that peace officers must remain impartial and objective at all times. Except in extenuating circumstances, it is inappropriate for a peace officer to intervene in a situation involving a family member. In this case, the Commission found that the officer placed himself in a conflict of interest situation and misused his authority as a police officer. The RCMP Commissioner agreed with the Commission's finding and with the recommendations that an apology be extended and that the officer be counselled on the exercise of his authority as a peace officer in situations involving family members.