The Windsor Police Service has initiated criminal proceedings against one of its serving officers, following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual assault.
Officer Charged Following Major Crimes Probe
Constable Ali Karhani, a six-year veteran of the Windsor police force, now confronts two distinct counts of sexual assault. The charges, announced on Tuesday, relate to separate off-duty incidents where the officer is accused of inappropriate physical contact.
Authorities confirmed the charges are the result of a "thorough investigation" conducted by the Windsor Police Service's major crimes unit. In an official statement, the police service acknowledged the gravity of the allegations and reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability within the community it serves.
Immediate Suspension and Judicial Process
In accordance with Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, Constable Karhani has been suspended with pay. This suspension will remain in effect pending the final outcome of the judicial proceedings.
The police service has stated that to preserve the integrity of the ongoing legal process, no further details regarding the incidents will be disclosed at this time. The matter is now formally before the courts.
Recent Context of Windsor Police Conduct Cases
This case emerges against a backdrop of other recent conduct-related incidents involving members of the Windsor Police Service:
- In July of this year, a Windsor police staff sergeant was acquitted in Ontario Court of Justice on four counts of sexual assault. Those allegations stemmed from an incident involving a workplace colleague approximately a decade earlier.
- That same month, another male constable with the service avoided a criminal sentence after pleading guilty to criminal harassment and indecent communication. The charges were related to what a judge described as "unacceptable" and "terrifying" phone calls made to a female stranger.
The latest charges underscore ongoing scrutiny of professional conduct within law enforcement agencies and the mechanisms in place to address serious allegations against officers.
