Justice for Girls again calls for inquiry after RCMP fails to protect girls from sexually abusive RCMP officer
October 10, 2006

On October 4th a disciplinary panel found that the RCMP waited too long to launch a disciplinary hearing against RCMP officer Justin Harris, and the disciplinary charges against him were dismissed.  Harris allegedly sexually exploited two Aboriginal girls aged 13 and 16 in Prince George.  His alleged abuse of the girls spanned over at least 2 years. The RCMP was aware in 2002 of allegations that Harris was sexually exploiting teenage girls in Prince George. “It is disgraceful that the RCMP took 4 years to bring Harris to a disciplinary hearing” says Joanna Czapska, advocate at Justice for Girls.

“It is disturbing that an RCMP officer accused of violence against girls may remain on the police force because the RCMP took too long to investigate. The RCMP has failed yet again to protect Aboriginal girls from violence,” says Czapska.

The RCMP has only 8 days left to appeal the panel’s decision.  Justice for Girls strongly believes the RCMP must appeal this decision. We continue to demand that the Attorney General call an inquiry into the criminal justice system’s response to violence against Aboriginal girls, as this case is one of many     examples of how BC’s criminal justice system is dismally failing Aboriginal girls.