RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson has confirmed that the national police force is investigating the murder of Canadian hostage John Ridsdel at the hands of a terror group in the Philippines.
During an appearance before the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence on Monday afternoon, Paulson confirmed that investigators have been assigned to the file.
The Mounties will be making use of the extraterritorial provisions of the Criminal Code in pursuing Ridsdel’s killers, who could face charges and trial in Canadian courts if they are identified.
“We have the authority to lead investigations abroad,” Paulson said in French. “In this case, we have launched an investigation.”
Ridsdel, 68, was beheaded in late April by members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group. A ransom demand for his release had gone unmet, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has since reiterated that Canada does not, and will never, pay such ransoms.
READ MORE: ‘You are a dead man’ Friend of John Ridsdel posts ominous warning to his killers
Paulson said that normally, the RCMP does not confirm or deny if a criminal investigation of this nature is underway, but it is fairly obvious in this case.
A CBC report late last week also said that the force was looking into Ridsdel’s death, but cited only an anonymous source within the department.
As part of his testimony on Monday, Paulson also provided information about the number of RCMP officers currently deployed across the globe. He said there are 95 RCMP officers stationed internationally, and that the force is currently studying deployments in other parts of the world. There are also 57 liaison officers or analysts on the ground to support RCMP officers in 30 countries.
WATCH: If governments pay ransoms to kidnappers, more citizens in danger, says veteran negotiator
Nudity, harassment at police college was ‘unbelievable’
At one point during the Senate committee hearing, Paulson was also asked about recent revelations involving bullying, sexual harassment and nudity among employees at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.
Two employees were suspended and commanding officers ordered new investigations — and a review of past inquiries — after receiving fresh reports of sexual misconduct at the facility.
“I have a full appreciation of what that incident at the police college did to … the public understanding of the progress we’ve been making at the RCMP,” said Paulson, who has been at the forefront of an effort to cut down on incidents involving sexual bullying, harassment and misconduct.
Paulson insisted, however, that the “senseless, unbelievable behaviour” at the police college — which allegedly included frequent nudity in the workplace by the two suspended staff members — is being handled, and that new provisions and rules have made it easier to crack down on bad behaviour.
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