Ottawa Police Officer Sanctioned for Sexual Harassment During Training Exercise

An Ottawa police officer, Constable Andre Hart, has officially admitted to engaging in workplace sexual harassment, facing a significant penalty for making deeply inappropriate comments to a female colleague during a training session. This isn't his first time facing disciplinary action, either, which adds another layer to the situation.

The incident in question occurred last winter, on February 2nd, during what should have been a standard use of force requalification training exercise. These drills are, of course, designed to keep officers sharp and ready, but things took a profoundly uncomfortable turn when Hart began making comments of a sexual nature. He's now pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct under the Community Safety and Policing Act for these actions.

During a segment focused on a two-officer takedown technique, Hart incorrectly wrapped his arms around the female officer's knees, which caused her noticeable discomfort. When prompted by an instructor to correct his technique, Hart reportedly quipped that he "likes it rough." This, understandably, set an unsettling tone for the rest of their interactions that day.

Later, while officers were practicing with temporary restraint devices – the kind often referred to as "hog-tying" people – the situation escalated further. In an exchange with the same female officer, Hart made a series of truly startling remarks. He stated, "That's a turn on," and then, perhaps even more disturbingly, added, "This is foreplay to me. I do it every morning." You can imagine the shock and discomfort these comments would have caused.

Understandably, the female officer involved felt a significant unease. She promptly expressed her concerns to a supervisor, specifically mentioning her apprehension about continuing afternoon drills that would involve more close-contact "mounting techniques" with Hart. Her discomfort was clear and immediate.

Following the incident, Constable Hart did cooperate fully with the Professional Standards Investigators. He expressed remorse for his actions and accepted full responsibility for the inappropriate remarks. However, the damage, both to his colleague and to the professional environment, had already been done.

For his misconduct, Hart has been ordered to forfeit 140 hours of pay. This translates to a substantial financial penalty of $8,140. It's a clear signal that such behaviour simply won't be tolerated within the Ottawa Police Service.

It's also worth noting that this isn't Hart's first time facing internal discipline. Just last year, in March 2025, he forfeited eight hours of pay for an offensive remark concerning another officer. That previous incident was related to a ground protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, suggesting a pattern of concerning workplace conduct.

Constable Hart initially joined the Ottawa Police Service in 2019, after serving with the Toronto Police Service from 2005 to 2019. This recent disciplinary action underscores the critical importance of maintaining a respectful and safe workplace for all officers, especially during sensitive training exercises meant to foster trust and professionalism.