Dow and Ricoco International's reputation for sexual assault has preceeded him in local photography/modeling circles for a long time.   The reputation extends through the Winnipeg Police Service where some victims claim that his fellow officers have been protecting Dow by brushing off or ignoring complaints that were attempted to be filed against him.

He is being presumed innocent, because it is difficult to prove sexual assult after this much time has passed.  But it is difficult to say this is an unfounded charecter attack when at least 27 women have stepped up to the plate.   Many have talked publicly in the local circles.  It is speculated that many more have chosen not to come forward.  What are the odds of 27 women of all ages and cliques making up the same story against one man?  The courts may have lacked in evidence to convict him, but humanity already has.  In this business reputation is everything.

Objectively, I have confidence in saying that some of the blame can go to the models who did not do the proper research and reference checks before hand.  Too many 'Paris Hilton' wannabes make for a veritable buffet for sexual predators like Dow.  Associations and club memberships do not guarantee your safety.  A serious lesson is learned that a badge, government job, and a gun do not make an honest man.  Lets face it, many of us have all seen police corruption at its finest.  Whether it's when I am regularly profiled, or to the spoiled kid who's cop daddy got them out of a traffic ticket.  Didn't their mothers ever teach them not to take candy from a stranger?  Same principal - Won't take the candy but will happily let that same stranger take provocative photos of themselves in privacy.

I can not stress enough that applying models should ask for references and contact them.  If the photographer makes you uncomfortable, call a friend to pick you up immediatley and attempt to leave (even if you drive there - if you are able to leave, then call your friend back after you are out, to cancel the ride).

Rather than cleaning up the force, city officials have used this opportunity to point fingers at the industry and are currently considering forcing agencies and photographers to purchase licenses and permits to operate.  These is not explanation as to how a license or permit will prevent this from happening to other potential victims.  Blatently greedy cash grab opportunity?  Obviously.

Richard Norman Dow is still employed as a Winnipeg Police Officer but currently suspended without pay. 

Here are more stories of 'Winnipeg Cops Gone Wild.'

Here is and article describing ways you can protect youself at a photoshoot

As a side note, Contraversial Winnipeg Chief of Police, Jack Ewatski* will be retiring this year after 34 years on the force (Sept. 07).

* Ewatski had been accused of withholding information about the 1990 murder of Perry Dean Harder that was crucial to defending lawyers which lead to the 12 year imprisonment of an innocent man.  Under Ewatski's leadership, the Winnipeg Police Service was also accused of racism by aboriginal leaders, who said he did not do enough to improve trust between police and native people.