RCMP Inspector Tim Shields was suspended with pay on May 19, RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Rob Vermeulen confirmed to The VOICE.
He said in an email: “Ongoing Code of Conduct investigations are subject to the Privacy Act. … Suspensions are one of a number of administrative steps available to the force pending the outcome of the matter. They are not a disciplinary measure.”
The news was yet another blow to Shields’ reputation that has taken a beating since last year because two female RCMP civilian employees who had worked with him filed lawsuits against him.
Former senior communications officer Anitra Singh alleged in a notice of civil claim filed July 10 that Shields sexually harassed and assaulted her both physically and verbally between 2009 and 2011.
Global BC reported that Singh claims that she has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and continues to receive medical care since leaving the RCMP on sick leave in 2012.
Global BC said that when they contacted the RCMP they were referred to their 2013 statement when former civilian member of the RCMP Atoya Montague alleged that she was sexually harassed by several officers from 2003 to 2011 until she took sick leave. An RCMP investigation determined that there was no evidence to support the claims against Shields.
Shields has denied all allegations against him. The statements by the two civilian employees contain only allegations that have yet to be proven in court.