VPD veteran demoted and suspended for sexually harassing officers and students, prompting urgent calls for reform and new harassment policies.
Vancouver police Veteran Demoted and Suspended After Sexual Harassment Exposed
A Pattern of Misconduct Uncovered
A senior Vancouver Police Department sergeant, Keiron McConnell, has been demoted and suspended after admitting to sexually harassing five women-including two fellow officers and three university students-between 2015 and 2019. The misconduct, which included sending unsolicited sexualized messages and making inappropriate remarks, came to light through a public hearing that has ignited debate about harassment within the VPD.
Victims Speak Out, Department Faces Scrutiny
Victims described feeling degraded, anxious, and fearful of retaliation if they reported McConnell’s behavior. One officer stated the ordeal had a lasting impact on her mental health and trust in the department, saying, “It has altered my past, my present, and my future.” Similar concerns were echoed by students, some of whom reconsidered careers in policing due to their experiences.
Consequences and Calls for Change
McConnell, a 35-year veteran and former gang squad leader, was demoted to first-class constable, suspended for 20 days without pay, and barred from supervisory roles for a year. He must also undergo counselling and workplace boundaries training. The hearing’s adjudicator, retired judge Carol Baird Ellan, called for the VPD to implement stronger sexual harassment policies and training, emphasizing the need to protect complainants from negative consequences.
A Turning Point for Police Accountability?
The case has sparked renewed calls for cultural change and accountability in law enforcement. Female officers and advocates argue that the outcome, while serious, highlights the need for more robust protections and a zero-tolerance approach to harassment in policing.
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“No woman, whether a professional or as a member of the public, should ever have to choose between their career aspirations and standing up for themselves and doing what is right,” she wrote.
“This type of sexualized behaviour is wrong and completely unacceptable, especially by anyone who is in a trusted position of power. My hope is that women find the courage to speak up against inappropriate and unwanted sexual behaviour such as this.”
Demotion is considered the most serious punishment short of dismissal, and the maximum suspension is 30 days. Baird Ellan noted the seriousness of the punishment by those standards.
Outside the proceedings, Helen Irvine, one of six current and former female officers involved in the class action lawsuit, said she was disappointed by the outcome — though not surprised.
I would ask one question,” she said.
“Can you think of another industry, another work industry where someone would be able to repeatedly sexually harass people who you hold a position of authority over and keep your job — especially when you hold the power of authority over the public?
