Police cleared in harassment case
with claims of sexual harassment made by a former female officer.
A Human Rights Commission ruling dismissed allegations made by the 26-year-old woman that the service "failed to provide an environment free from sexual harassment''.
But it is understood that the woman is set to appeal an earlier HRC Board of Inquiry decision, which dismissed claims that a fellow male officer sexually harassed her.
And the appeal, made to the Supreme Court on points of law, could be heard by the end of this month.
The news comes as a second set of sexual harassment allegations made by a female officer, who has since left the force, are still being investigated by the Police Service.
This latest decision from the HRC has prompted a review of Police procedure in connection with sexual harassment.
The move by the Police, came after the woman's lawyer, Clare Hatcher, called for the setting up of codes of conduct for sexual harassment.
A statement issued yesterday said that Acting Commissioner Vic Richmond reinforced a policy of zero tolerance of harassment of any form in the workplace.
"However, it is clear as a result of the Human Rights Commission's investigation that a more efficient policy and system needs to be implemented in specifically addressing sexual harassment issues.
"The Police Service accepts this and will be treating this as a matter of highest priority. We sincerely regret the loss of two very good female officers, who chose to leave during the course of this unfortunate process.'' Both women have since left the force.
Following the ruling made by the HRC, the Police have acknowledged that a new system is needed to address sexual harassment issues.
And they are to work with the commission and their own human resources staff to educate officers on the matter.