3 Calgary police officers charged with breach of trust in sexual misconduct investigation

Three Calgary police officers are facing charges following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says the trio were involved in two separate, but linked, investigations conducted by the province’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).

“When I had the hounour of being appointed the chief of this service, I committed to being transparent and accountable,” said CPS police chief Katie McLellan. “Today I stand before you doing that. However, it is with disappointment and embarrassment that I am here today.”

The investigation began in January when an officer allegedly met women while on duty and “had, or attempted to have,” personal and sexual relationships with them, while both on and off duty.

Const. Adam McBride was a 14-year-member of the service before being suspended without pay on Nov. 26. He has since resigned.

McBride is charged with four counts of breach of trust under the Canadian criminal code.

It’s alleged that Const. David Harms, a 17-year CPS member, was aware of and encouraged, or facilitated, the alleged conduct of McBride. He has been relieved from duty without pay.

Harms has been charged with two counts of breach of trust.

During the investigation, direct messages were uncovered where a photo of a partially naked woman was shared without consent.

Const. Tyler Hobberstad, a six-year CPS veteran, has been charged with one count of breach of trust and one count of distributing an intimate image. He was also relieved from duty without pay.

CPS Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel Katherine Murphy explained the three elements that lead to breach of trust charges.

“The first is that it has to involve a public official, in this case a police officer. The second is that the conduct is carried out in connection to the duty of the police officer’s office. The third element is that the officer has to have breached the standard demanded of them by virtue of their office.”

The three accused are scheduled to appear in court again in January.

Anyone who believes they have received inappropriate contact of a personal nature by a police officer is encouraged to report it to the Professional Standards Section, or as of Dec. 1, the new Police Review Commission.

“We recognize a power imbalance exists between police officers and members of the public,” says McLellan. “This behaviour is not reflective of the values of the service.”

“We understand that serious allegations involving the conduct of service members can significantly effect the public’s trust and confidence in us. That trust is foundational, and we remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards for our members.”

The Professional Standards Section can be reached by phone at 403-428-5904, or by filing an online report through the PSS portal here.