RCMP officer investigated for 'inappropriate sexual touching' at Winnipeg hotel

Manitoba's police watchdog is investigating allegations of lewd conduct by an RCMPofficerat a Winnipeg hotel.

RCMPreceived a complaint about alleged inappropriate conduct bythe female officer while she wasattending a conference in the city on Nov. 30, the Independent Investigation Unit said in a news release.

The complaint said thatduring a social gathering at a hotel and lounge, she "committed a number of instances of inappropriate sexual touching."

RCMPspokesman Robert Cyrennesaid theofficer was off duty at the time of the alleged incident and has been suspended with pay while the IIUinvestigation takes place.

The RCMP's Manitoba headquarters contacted the IIU on Dec. 5 about thecomplaint.

Following a review of the complaint, theIIU'scivilian director decidedit was in the public interestto conduct an investigation.

The IIU looks intoall serious incidents involving police officers in Manitoba, whether occurring on or off duty.