Two members of the Banff RCMP detachment have been charged with unlawfully being in a dwelling and obstruction of justice.
The allegations against Const. John Gregory Cutcliffe and Const. Jeremiah Dumont-Fontaine are in relation to an incident while they were on-duty on June 26, 2013 involving an unrelated civilian.
RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Shannon Franks said the members have been suspended from duty while the court proceeding goes forward, but could not say whether they were suspended with or without pay.
As for the nature of the charges, Franks characterized the situation as a “harmless issue” and one she didn’t think the community of Banff should be concerned about.
“I believe they were acting in the course of their duty and I think that they were a little bit surprised by finding out it was outside that,” she said. “I don’t think there is any harm, or danger, or anything for the community to be concerned about.”
The investigation and charges came out of the Banff detachment, she said, and an internal RCMP Code of Conduct investigation has been ordered.
“I would suggest to you if someone is formally charged that is something we have to look into,” Franks said. “They haven’t been convicted of anything, they have been charged with something, but it is something to monitor because we can’t have folks having a behaviour pattern.”
She said the Code of Conduct investigation would move forward along with court proceedings. Cutcliffe and Dumont-Fontaine’s first court appearance is Aug. 13 in Canmore Provincial Court.
