SIU investigates allegations of 4 sex assaults involving Waterloo police
Incidents allegedly occurred in November 2017, September 2017, October 1994, and early 1990s
Ontario's police watchdog says it has launched investigations into four alleged sexual assaults involving Waterloo police officers.
Monica Hudon, spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit, said in an email to CBC News on Thursday that the incidents are alleged to have occurred in November 2017, September 2017, October 1994 and in the early 1990s.
Insp. Mike Haffner, spokesperson for Waterloo Regional Police, said in an email on Thursday that the force is aware of the allegations.
"Waterloo Regional Police Service takes these allegations seriously, and in situations where we have received information that meets the mandate of the SIU, we have notified them accordingly," Haffner said.
The SIU investigations come as the Waterloo Regional Police Services board and the police association face a proposed $167 million class action lawsuit.
Two women — a former constable and current officer with the force on leave — filed the class action, claiming they experienced systemic and institutional gender-based discrimination and harassment on the job.
A superintendent with the force, named in affidavits as part of the lawsuit, retired on Wednesday.
Hudon said she cannot say if any of four cases under investigation are linked to the class action lawsuit.
The SIU is an arm's length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.