A Kelowna Mountie was transferred, fined and placed under “close custody” after pointing his gun at another officer in frustration at his incessant teasing.
A decision of the RCMP Conduct Board made in July 2020 showed that Const. Kristine Roesler behaved contrary to the code of conduct of the RCMP in such a way that the troops were likely discredited.
After this decision, Roesler took care of the paperwork in her cabin on March 6, 2019, frustrated that her supervisor had asked her to make some corrections. Const. Kevin Hess began to tease Roesler, jokingly commenting on her job and pretending to be her manager.
Roesler asked Hess to stop and told him she was “not in the mood”. Despite her request, Hess continued his “good-natured” raid.
According to the decision, it was at this point that Roesler unpadded her RCMP-issued gun and pointed it at Hess, telling him to either “go away” or “run away”.
During the proceedings, Hess explained whether the gun had gone off, he was not sure whether the shot had hit him or not.
A few seconds later, Roesler put her gun back in its holster. An investigation into her actions began two weeks later.
READ MORE: “Deeply Concerning”: New Kelowna RCMP Commanding Officer Brings Up Division Controversy
READ MORE: Kelowna’s New Top Police Officer Promises Communication, Collaboration, and Good Behavior
Roesler argued throughout her behavior and heard that she handled the gun safely and drew her gun in the spirit of “dark humor”.
“If Const. Roesler was in the constitution to take steps to ensure that her weapon was “safely” handled as she claims. She would also have had the presence of mind not to take it out of her holster at all, ”reads the decision written by Insp. Colin Miller, the Conduct Board’s sole agent on the matter.
While Roesler was facing a possible dismissal from the force, Miller thought this was too harsh a punishment. However, he noticed the severity of Const. Roesler’s misconduct should not be underestimated.
“I find it extremely annoying that Const. In response to the fact that she was teased, Roesler would draw her violent firearm and endanger all occupants of the bullpen and the area around the department, ”said Insp. Müller.
Ultimately, the board of directors imposed a fine corresponding to the loss of the 15-day wage, a move to another district, a year of “close supervision” and advice.
“Const. Roesler has the opportunity to continue her career at the RCMP. However, any future violation of the Code of Conduct will be seriously investigated by the relevant behavioral authority and could lead to their dismissal from the force. “
Do you have anything to add to this story or anything else we should cover? Email: michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
@ Michaelrdrguez
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
RCMP
Get local stories you won’t find anywhere else straight to your inbox.
Login here
