Commissioner of Police Verne Garde has confirmed the completion of an internal investigation into sexual assault allegations made against a senior police officer, stating that the process adhered to established protocols and has now reached a conclusive stage.
Speaking candidly during a recent interview, Commissioner Garde revealed that the investigating officer submitted a comprehensive report, which included findings and recommendations that received full support throughout the supervisory chain.
“The investigator who initiated the process submitted the two files through his line of supervision. He submitted a recommendation to me, which I have reviewed. I also consulted with his supervisor, who supports both the findings and recommendations—and I am likewise in agreement,” Garde stated.
While the Commissioner did not disclose the identity of the officer involved or the nature of the recommendations, he assured that the matter had been handled with professionalism and transparency.
In the same interview, Commissioner Garde expressed strong support for the finalization and adoption of a formal sexual harassment policy across the public service, describing it as a long-overdue measure.
“We should see this being adopted as an official policy across the entire public service,” he said. “It’s a policy that is needed.”
Garde clarified that while the public service is currently governed by rules that guide interpersonal conduct, a codified sexual harassment policy would provide stronger protections and a more structured framework for accountability.
“It’s not to say that there is absolutely no sexual harassment policy in the public service,” he explained. “The public service is guided by clear rules regarding how individuals interact. But to codify and strengthen it, we need to formalize it in a clear and structured framework—and we are working towards that.”
The Commissioner’s remarks come at a time of increasing public demand for transparency and stronger institutional safeguards against harassment, particularly within the law enforcement community. His assurance that the investigation was completed with supervisory oversight signals a step toward resolution and accountability.
