Complaints from N.L. of sexual assault by 'travelling doctor' who examined RCMP recruits

Police in St. John's are investigating a historical sexual assault complaint dating back to 1981 against a doctor employed by the RCMP.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's child abuse and sexual assault section says individuals cameforward in February of this year with complaints of sexual assault.

Those complaints were prompted by a national report on an investigation conducted by Halifax Regional Police, about allegations of sexual assault by a doctor performingmedical exams on prospectiveRCMPrecruits.

"We believe that the same doctorI guess it was a travelling doctorwho may have done some work in Nova Scotia also had done some physical examinations for police candidates in this province," said RNCConst. Geoff Higdon.

Higdon wouldn't specifythe number of complaints the RNChas received, but said it's alleged the incidents took place in the St. John's area, between 1981 and 2003.

"It's not necessarily people who were successful candidates it may have been someone who applied to the RCMP and perhaps either did [or did not] get in. And you know given the dates they could be retired at this point," Higdon told CBC Radio's On The Go.

As of March 23, theRNCsaid there have been no charges and the investigation is ongoing.

TheRNCadded it has"no reason to believe there is any risk to the general public."

Anyone who believes they were sexually assaulted by the doctor is asked to contact theRNCat 709-729-8000.