(St. John’s, NL) July 21, 2021 – With the information recently brought forward by local lawyer, Ms. Lynn Moore, related to retired RNC officers allegedly involved in sexual assault and other offences, the RNC has reached out to Ms. Moore in an attempt to identify the subject officers and further determine if the victims would provide a statement to the RNC. The RNC has learned that there are four potential officers, and we have confirmed the identity of one subject officer. The subject officer whose identity is known to the RNC is a retired officer, and the RNC cannot legally disclose their identity at this time. The RNC has also been in contact with SIRT-NL, asserting our intention of support and cooperation in the process of accountability for those responsible for these alleged incomprehensible acts.
The RNC will work collaboratively with SIRT-NL and peer support groups to support the ability of victims and survivors to identify offenders. Victims have the power to report, the power to tell their story to a passionate professional, and the power to see that their abuser is held accountable for their actions. Any officer who abuses the authority vested in them to promote the safety and health of our communities has not abided by the oath they took upon becoming a member of the RNC and also have shown total disregard for our core values, and engaged in criminal activity. To echo the comments of Chief Joe Boland, these officers will be held accountable.
On behalf of the officers of the RNC who dedicate their lives to promoting the health and safety of our communities every day, we stand with victims and survivors, and we will support vulnerable persons tirelessly. Victims who come forward to report will speak with a professional sexual assault investigator, which can be organized through our community partner peer support groups, Sgt. Chelsey Guinchard of the RNC Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Unit, or Supt. Tom Warren, officer in charge of the RNC Criminal Investigation Division. You can also report directly to SIRT-NL.
The RNC strongly encourages victims and survivors of violence to come forward so those responsible can be held accountable. An allegation of sexual assault by a police officer will be assigned to SIRT-NL. Victims can also report an incident directly to them.
If you require support related to trauma, please contact CHANNAL WARMLINE at 1-855-753-2560, the NL Sexual assault Crisis and Prevention Center at 1-800-726-2743, or the NL Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668.
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Cst. James Cadigan #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
Media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658