~ Second complaint being investigated. ~
PHILIPSBURG: -- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling confirmed on Wednesday at the Council Ministers press briefing that an investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment within KPSM was conducted some two to three years ago when the initial complaint was filed.
The Minister also confirmed that KPSM Internal Affairs, the Landsrecherche, and the Prosecutors Office investigated the case. Minister Tackling said that no criminal acts were found based on the investigations conducted, but there has been unethical behavior that KPSM addressed as an organization. The Minister made clear that it is not because something is not criminal that it is not unethical.
The individual identified as the suspect was placed in some form or isolation at the workplace limiting his contact with colleagues. At the same time, the former government did not issue a formal response to KPSM on disciplinary measures they proposed for over one year.
Tackling further explained that another complaint was filed against the same individual, and that file is still before the Prosecutor’s Office for decision-making.
I asked if the minister intends to amend the outdated legislation that is currently in place. The Minister said that she was contacted by the former Minister of Justice Anna Richardson, who contacted her on Tuesday and informed her of a draft policy she was working on regarding the code of conduct.
Tackling said she is busy perusing that policy and is also looking to see what legislative changes have to be made that would address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace.
