October 27, 2010
Deaths in Custody Report Highlights Need for Police Reform: DaviesFrançais
OTTAWA – New Democrat Public Safety Critic Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) says the findings of today’s BC Civil Liberties Association report on deaths in police custody in British Columbia are alarming and that they highlight the need for reforms at the RCMP.
“I am deeply troubled by the findings in this report,” said Davies. “British Columbians need to have confidence in their police forces, and know that police are doing all they can to prevent death and injury while individuals are in police custody.
“This report challenges that confidence”
The BCCLA report reveals that British Columbia had the highest number of police-related deaths in the country.
“BC communities are policed by both municipal forces and the RCMP, so clearly we need concerted action from all levels of government,” said Davies. “This report proves that all police forces, including the RCMP, need to examine and revise their training and policies to ensure that every possible action is taken to avoid the deaths of individuals during interactions with police.”
Davies also renewed his call for improvements to RCMP oversight.
“When deaths involving police do occur, the public needs to have absolute confidence that they are investigated by an impartial and independent body. A fully civilian oversight agency for the RCMP will also help to reduce injuries and deaths in the long term. Police officers understand this, and the public understands this. All we are waiting for is the government to take action and implement these much needed reforms.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jesse Brady, Press Secretary, 613-720-6400
