Senior cop questioned over sexual harassment charges

In what has become an alarmingly regular occurrence, a top police official was questioned by internal affairs investigators Wednesday on charges of sexual misconduct.

The investigation was opened after a policewoman filed a complaint against the high-ranking officer. The woman said that in an incident that occurred five years ago, the officer approached her during a social gathering and whispered sexually suggestive comments in her ear. According to some reports he also tried to kiss her.

The officer was questioned for over seven hours and was given a week’s leave as investigators decide how to move forward. Police officials said the man cooperated with his questioners.

The past few years have seen a string of sexual misconduct cases involving top police officers, many of whom were forced to retire due to the charges against them.

In February Deputy Commissioner Hagai Dotan was discharged from the service after several women complained of suffering both verbal and physical harassment at his hands. That same month also saw the dismissal of Beersheba police commander Moshe Ivgi, accused of sexually harassing an officer.

In January Deputy Commissioner Nissim Mor, once a contender for commissioner, was dismissed after being accused of sexually harassing and assaulting a policewoman, as well as having inappropriate relationships with other female subordinates. Earlier in January, Judea and Samaria District Commander Kobi Cohen announced his resignation after admitting to an improper relationship with a subordinate officer.