A senior Kamloops RCMP corporal and two constables are now suspended from duty with pay stemming from allegations they watched two women have sex in a jail cell, senior Mounties said Wednesday.

The suspensions follow news earlier this week that the corporal, a 20-year veteran of the force and a detachment watch commander, had been placed on administrative duties while the constables’ duty status was under review.

Suspension with pay is a more serious form of discipline than being placed on administrative duty. Three City workers have also been suspended with pay.

Insp. Tim Shields, the RCMP’s provincial spokesman, said a fourth constable who was also apparently involved is on vacation. Details about his duty status will not be released until he returns.

The incident in RCMP cells was released to the media late last week. Police confirm seven men — the four officers and three civilian staff — allegedly watched on a security camera as two women had what appeared to be consensual sex in a jail cell.

One of the women, however, was arrested for being drunk in a public place and as a result, there is a question of whether she was able to give consent, he said.

The women were later released without being charged with offences, although investigators are also examining the sexual contact to see if it was criminal.

Shields said the suspensions, as well as the ongoing criminal investigation, reflect the RCMP’s view the allegations are extremely serious.

“It is an unfortunate and disturbing issue; the RCMP takes it very seriously. We have sent a strong message through the suspensions and the launching of the criminal investigation.

“We intend to stay fully transparent with the public through this process,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kamloops RCMP spokeswoman Const. Cheryl Bush said the detachment remains fully operational, despite the recent suspensions.

Four other officers have also been placed on administrative duties or suspended, stemming from unrelated incidents.

Regardless, Bush said the “front lines” remain fully staffed.

“(Senior managers) make sure those shifts are fully staffed. They still operate with the same number of officers on. They adjust, they make adjustments.

“They will operate those shifts at a full capacity.”

Bush said it’s common for the detachment to operate with fewer officers than its full strength, due to vacations, training and sicknesses.

rkoopmans@kamloopsnews.ca