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Paulson says he’s tackling RCMP harassment, but some members ‘not on board’

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RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson appears before the the Senate National security and Defence Committee in Ottawa, Monday, June 3, 2013.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

OTTAWA – Canada’s top Mountie insists he’s working to rid the police force of abusive behaviour, but says some members won’t get on board.

Bob Paulson tells a Senate committee looking into harassment and bullying within the RCMP that the force is changing its management style and making real gains.

But he levelled criticism at some members of the force who have lodged complaints.

He questioned the point of a recent lawsuit by Staff Sgt. Caroline O’Farrell, who says she suffered cruel treatment — including hazing rituals — while a member of the force’s famed Musical Ride in the 1980s.

Paulson says he met with O’Farrell before she filed the suit to see how he could help her, but she wasn’t open to discussion.

Several RCMP officers have complained of abusive behaviour and intimidation since Cpl. Catherine Galliford went public in 2011 with allegations of harassment.

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The Canadian Press

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