During a code-of-conduct hearing in Richmond, B.C., Constable Philip Dick expressed his deep regret for participating in group chats where racist, sexist, and derogatory messages were exchanged among Coquitlam RCMP officers. Dick admitted feeling ashamed of his behavior and acknowledged that some of his comments went “much too far.”
According to Dick, he used dark humor as a coping mechanism for job-related stress but admitted to crossing the line into vulgarity. Reflecting on the offensive messages, including derogatory remarks about a Mexican sexual assault victim and other racially insensitive terms, Dick admitted that it was difficult to believe he had written them, but after years of contemplation, he now regrets his actions.
The code-of-conduct hearing was triggered by a complaint from Constable Sam Sodhi in 2021, accusing Dick, along with Constables Ian Solven and Mersad Mesbah, of engaging in discreditable conduct by exchanging inappropriate comments in both a Signal group chat and on police data terminals. While Dick denied some of Sodhi’s allegations, he acknowledged his immature and regrettable response to stress and negative emotions.