As one of only a couple of female officers in the Olds detachment, Cpl. Courtney Harding is keenly aware of sexual assault/harassment allegations that have been levelled against RCMP across the country.
During an interview with the Albertan, Harding said she's determined to make sure they're not a problem in the Olds detachment.
When interviewed, Harding, who's been with the detachment for just over two months, said so far, it didn't appear to be an issue locally.
"It would be too soon for me to say. I haven't seen any issues," she said, adding RCMP members in Olds are "a great group."
Harding has been an RCMP officer for 12-and-a half years. Over that period, she says she's seen it evolve for the better as concerns about sexual assault and harassment have been raised.
"I have seen the culture change over the years where there is no tolerance for that," she said.
"In large part (that's) because of what's been happening over the last few years with the investigations for sexual harassment and of course, the discipline that comes to follow. There's greater accountability for members," Harding said.
"You know, there's no tolerance for that sort of behaviour anymore. And certainly as a female member, I'm very aware of that," Harding said.
"All of my supervisors and bosses have been very professional and they've been fantastic people to work with and learn from.
"We all have the same goal in mind as far as making sure that it remains a professional, respectful workplace," she added.
"For the most part, it's been very positive."
