The complaint raises concerns regarding the involvement of the unmarked
police vehicle. The vehicle was first to arrive on the scene,
remarkable given that, according to RCMP policy, unmarked police
vehicles are strictly forbidden from participating in this type of
police pursuit. The reason for that policy is to ensure the safety of
drivers and pedestrians who obviously are not able to recognize an
unmarked police vehicle involved in a pursuit as they would a marked
vehicle. Also remarkable is the use of potentially lethal force to end
Mr. Gerard’s attempt to flee. Mr. Gerard, at the time he was struck by
the unmarked police vehicle, appears to have been unarmed and posed no
apparent threat to officers or the public.
Following the incident, the police made statements to the press that
suggested that an investigation would be made. The BC Civil Liberties
Association has made inquiries whether that investigation will result
in a timely report to the public. The RCMP indicated to the Association
that a public report of the incident would not likely be provided.
That is regrettable. As a consequence of that, and of the concerns
noted above, the BC Civil Liberties Association has elected to file a
complaint.
BCCLA President Rob Holmes: “Everyone recognizes that a troubled
individual put the safety of others at risk through his actions and the
police had a difficult situation to deal with. Serious questions
exist, however, about how the RCMP dealt with this incident. In order
to ensure public confidence in law enforcement agencies, the results of
the police investigation need to be made public. If there were
breaches of existing RCMP policies concerning vehicle pursuits and
suspect apprehension, an explanation needs to be given. Questions about
public safety, risks to the police themselves and the risk to the life
of Mr. Gerard after he left the truck need to be answered.
Read the complaint
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robert Holmes, President
604-681-1310
Murray Mollard, Executive Director
604-630-9752
