Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

QAMANITTUAQ/BAKER LAKE
An RCMP constable is suspended with pay, and on administrative leave, after being charged with sexual assault in relation to an alleged incident two years ago in Baker Lake.

After receiving a complaint this past April 11 from an adult female about the incident, involving an on-duty RCMP constable in April 2010, Yellowknife RCMP initiated a probe and Ottawa Police Services performed a criminal investigation, according to Chief Supt. Steve McVarnock, with Nunavut RCMP.

The investigation lead to the arrest on April 28 of 31-year-old Const. Justin Dickens, who has been charged with sexual assault. He is not in custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on July 24 in Baker Lake.

Dickens is a constable with four years of service - two in Baker Lake and then Whale Cove, where he was arrested, said McVarnock. A relief member has been sent to Whale Cove.

"This is something we took very, very seriously when learning about it," said McVarnock. "We wanted to have some initial resolution to the investigation in order to know what we have, what we're dealing with and, more importantly, how we're going to deal with it down the road."

He added he is fully aware of the high expectation Canadians have towards the RCMP as it relates to the conduct of on- and off-duty members.

"This situation, the allegation, the arrest of one of our own members is very distressing to each and everyone of us, especially up here in Nunavut," said McVarnock. "It certainly provides sort of a black eye when we factor in so many of the great things our people are doing day-in and day-out throughout the territory."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.