Times-Chronicle Staff

An RCMP constable has been docked 10 days’ pay and given 10 days’ leave for discreditable conduct in the South Okanagan.

A conduct report released by the RCMP names Cst. Ryan Fulcher who admitted to an allegation that he exposed himself in view of the public while in his home in in 2018.

The report states that on Sept. 29 he was observed by two teenage girls to be standing naked in front of his picture window.

“This naked male was visible to both girls and, to them, he appeared to be possibly masturbating,” the report states.

An adult, whom the girls reported the incident to, also observed the naked man in the window.

Police attended the residence, and the man was subsequently identified as Cst. Fulcher. The officer denied the allegation but admitted to some of the particulars, according to the report.

Fulcher admitted he was naked in his living room where the window curtains were open and the light was on. He said the two pedestrians were about 100 feet from his window. He denied that he was fondling himself but admitted it was possible that his hand briefly touched his genitals.

Inspector Colin Miller, the author of the report, said it’s not surprising that Fulcher’s conduct caused concern among the witnesses.

“By being naked in front of a large window in a room that was lit up while it was dark outside, it is quite foreseeable that he would be observed and that his motive for such behaviour would be questioned.”

Miller said Cst. Fulcher ought to have known the potential impact of his behaviour that evening. Although the officer was off duty, he acted in a manner that resulted in a police investigation.

Miller found that the officer did, no matter how briefly, touch his genitals while exposed to the public.

One aggravating factor was that Fulcher’s house was located near a primary school.

“I find that such activity would bring discredit to the RCMP,” Miller stated in his conclusion.

But it was noted that Fulcher has had an “excellent career” in the police force prior to this incident. He led a team that investigated targets involved in serious organized crime. His performance appraisals showed an exceptional willingness to do “more than expected.”

Miller said he accepted the fact that Fulcher’s behaviour was a “momentary lapse of judgment” due, in part, to sleep deprivation. Fulcher disclosed that he has post-traumatic stress disorder.

The report states that no more concerns have arisen since the incident.

The officer continues to see a psychologist and has taken “significant steps” to ensure the incident never happens again.