A Coquitlam-based RCMP constable in British Columbia defended himself during a hearing on Wednesday to determine if he should be fired for making disrespectful remarks in group chats with fellow officers. Last November, RCMP adjudicator Louise Morel found that constables Philip Dick, Ian Solven, and Mersad Mesbah had shown a lack of respect and courtesy towards others in online group chats and on police computer systems. The recent hearing focused on Mesbah’s behavior.
During the hearing, John MacLaughlan, representing the RCMP’s conduct authority, argued that Mesbah should either be dismissed immediately or given 14 days to resign. However, Mesbah’s lawyer, Allison Tremblay, contended that his client’s relationship with the RCMP could be salvaged through strict measures rather than termination.
MacLaughlan insisted that Mesbah’s actions were fundamentally incompatible with the duties of a police officer, emphasizing that maintaining public trust in the RCMP and its disciplinary procedures was crucial. He highlighted that Mesbah had been on suspension longer than his active service as a regular member.
MacLaughlan pointed out that Mesbah had evaded accountability by claiming ignorance of the derogatory term “goldfish” and the offensive term “g-u-n-t” he used to describe a female colleague’s physique. He also mentioned Mesbah’s disturbing comments about wishing harm upon a woman and his willingness to use pepper spray on another woman while on duty.
Mesbah, in his testimony, revealed his background of immigrating from Iran to Canada at a young age and his subsequent career as a police officer in Coquitlam. He acknowledged a shift in the work environment leading to resentment and coping mechanisms through the controversial group chats. Mesbah expressed regret for his words and highlighted his personal growth through counseling and changing perspectives on certain issues.
Tremblay suggested alternative disciplinary actions for Mesbah, such as a pay cut or additional training. All three constables involved in the incident were suspended with pay by the B.C. RCMP in November. The final decision on Mesbah’s fate will be made by Morel on January 13.