A new report by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association raises concerns about RCMP officers鈥� ability to de-escalate tense situations and police treatment of aboriginal people in northern B.C.
The report, Small Town Justice, was created following 16 workshops in 14 communities across northern and rural B.C. in August 2010.
鈥淚n many centres an absence of de-escalation skills among officers, particularly among younger recruits, was noted,鈥� the report says. 鈥�... people listed specific and personal experiences where they felt the attitude of the attending officer or officers escalated the tension and danger in a situation for officers and those interacting with them.鈥�
In Prince George one of the participants, who identified himself being a peace officer with over 20 years with experience in corrections, said he鈥檚 seen a change in attitude by the RCMP.
Respondents in Merritt, Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Fort St. John, Smithers, Dawson Creek, Campbell River and Terrace made similar comments.
Respondents in Terrace alleged serious concerns with RCMP treatment of Aboriginal people. In communities including Williams Lake, Anahim Lake and Smithers Aboriginal participants complained of racial profiling of Aboriginal people.
In multiple communities, respondents called for more foot and bicycle patrols, improved holding cells, additional aboriginal consultation and participation in policing, and better handling of public drunkenness.
However, participants also cited a lack of trust, lack of foot patrols at night, officers being too quick to arrest someone for being drunk in public and concerns about how complaints are handled.
鈥淵ou can have all these rights, but what good are they if they don鈥檛 respect them?鈥� one respondent said. 鈥淭hey need audio or video monitoring when they鈥檙e questioning someone.鈥�
The report doesn鈥檛 make any recommendations, except that the report be considered by RCMP and policy makers.
Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass said an advance copy of the report was provided to RCMP 鈥楨鈥� Division headquarters in Vancouver as well as to individual detachments.
鈥淲e are aware of it and it鈥檚 something that we are looking at,鈥� Douglass said. 鈥淚 do know it鈥檚 with 鈥楨鈥� Division and they are looking specifically at Prince George.鈥�
Douglass said he could not comment further until the provincial review has been completed.
