VPD spokesperson being sued for bullying, harassment: documents [Video]

A female former employee of the Vancouver Police Department has filed a lawsuit accusing a high-profile sergeant of bullying, harassment and discrimination – and alleging leadership failed to protect her.

The plaintiff Sharmini Dee, who was a civilian member of the department, not an officer, filed her notice of civil claim in Vancouver Supreme Court Friday.

Dee, in her role as director of public affairs, oversaw the work of the department’s media relations officers – including Sgt. Steve Addison, who is named as an individual defendant in the lawsuit.

“While working with the VPD, the plaintiff was subject to almost daily harassment and bullying by Addison,” documents obtained by CTV News say.

‘Systemic and persistent’

The notice of claim alleges Addison told Dee the position she held should have been his and that she would “fail” in the role. The lawsuit lists examples of how Addison allegedly treated Dee, including that he was …