Key Takeaways:
- Three Calgary police officers have been charged with criminal offenses related to allegations of sexual misconduct involving seven women.
- The charges include breach of trust, distributing intimate images without consent, and allegations of on and off-duty misconduct.
- The officers involved have been suspended or relieved from duty without pay, and one has resigned from the police service.
- The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is taking the allegations "extremely seriously" and has committed to thorough and transparent accountability.
- The investigation was carried out by CPS’s professional standards section with oversight by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.
Introduction to the Allegations
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) has announced that three of its officers have been charged with criminal offenses linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving seven women. The charges relate to two separate but connected investigations carried out by CPS’s professional standards section with oversight by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. At a press conference, CPS Chief Katie McLellan expressed disappointment and embarrassment, stating that the service takes matters like these "extremely seriously." The allegations involve Const. Adam McBride, who is accused of meeting six women in the course of his policing duties and having or attempting to have personal and sexual contact with them.
The Allegations Against Const. Adam McBride
Const. Adam McBride, a 14-year veteran of the CPS, faces four charges of breach of trust. The alleged incidents took place between May 2023 and March 2025, when McBride was both on and off duty. One of the women involved was a complainant in an aggravated assault case, according to CPS. Although the initial investigation began in January due to internal concerns, the full scope of the conduct was not known until a complaint was filed in March. McBride was suspended without pay and subsequently resigned from the police service one day before the charges were announced. His defense lawyer, Cory Wilson, declined to comment on the allegations.
The Allegations Against Const. David Harms
Const. David Harms, a 17-year veteran of the CPS, has been charged with two counts of breach of trust. Police say Harms was aware of and encouraged or facilitated the alleged conduct of McBride. Harms has been relieved from duty without pay, and his defense lawyer, Alain Hepner, stated that he anticipates a strong defense. The allegations against Harms highlight the potential for a broader cultural issue within the CPS, where officers may be aware of or even enable misconduct by their colleagues.
The Allegations Against Const. Tyler Hobberstad
In the course of the investigation into McBride and Harms, CPS uncovered messages where a photo of a partially naked woman had been shared. The image was of a vulnerable woman in custody, according to CPS general counsel Katherine Murphy. Const. Tyler Hobberstad, a six-year veteran of the CPS, has been charged with one count of breach of trust and one count of distributing intimate images without consent. Hobberstad has been relieved from duty without pay, and his lawyer, Shamsher Kothari, stated that they have requested disclosure and will take next steps once it is received.
Response from the Calgary Police Service
The CPS has emphasized its commitment to thorough and transparent accountability in the face of these allegations. Chief Katie McLellan stated that the investigation reflects the service’s dedication to addressing misconduct and maintaining public trust. The CPS has also acknowledged that the allegations can significantly affect the public’s trust and confidence in the service. All three officers are due in court in early January, and the CPS will likely face close scrutiny as the cases unfold.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The allegations against the three CPS officers highlight the need for ongoing accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The CPS’s response to the allegations, including the suspension and relief from duty of the officers involved, demonstrates a commitment to addressing misconduct and maintaining public trust. As the cases progress, it will be essential for the CPS to prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public is informed and confident in the service’s ability to investigate and address allegations of misconduct. The outcome of these cases will likely have significant implications for the CPS and the broader law enforcement community, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and transparent approach to addressing allegations of misconduct.
