Editorials

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

RCMP red-faced

By: Staff Writer

24/06/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 2

THE inquiry into the Taser-related death of Robert Dziekanski has delivered yet another blow to the prestige of Canada's national police force. The latest offence is an email between RCMP brass that appears to show that four officers planned to taser the Polish man before encountering him at Vancouver's airport, contradicting earlier testimony that no such prejudgment was made.

RCMP and their lawyers have said the email is incorrect and was based on flawed information, but their response merely compounds the problem because it demonstrates they don't understand their sin isn't the email, but the fact it was withheld from the inquiry. It is up to the inquiry judge to determine its importance and validity, not the RCMP and their lawyers.

Senior RCMP officers described the incident as a simple "oversight," but such a glib dismissal is unacceptable. The failure to tender insignificant evidence might be an oversight, but an email that reinforces the suspicion that the officers approached Mr. Dziekanski with the intent of using extreme force is not a minor matter.

Subsequent testimony may show that the email is irrelevant. Unfortunately, however, commissioner Thomas Braidwood felt compelled to put the inquiry on hold until the fall so the contents of the email can be investigated. Depending on the outcome of that investigation, it's possible that the officers involved may need to be re-examined, which could delay the whole affair until the new year.

The inquiry has not been kind to the image of the RCMP, which is unfortunate if it reinforces the cynical views about police that are becoming more common.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 24, 2009 A14

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2 Comments

Posted by: Jason Wayne

June 24, 2009 at 7:00 PM

If there was such a huge coverup, why was the email even brought forward? If it had been kept secret then it would be covered up.

Journalism at it's best.

It's amazing really, police get chastised for NOT having a plan to deal with people. Then someone says they "planned" to taser this immigrant. (Perhaps they were making sure they had a taser, which is a LESS THAN LETHAL weapon) But then they're scrutinized for planning to do something? How do they win?

I'd invite any member of the media to stand in front of me and I'll destroy some property then brandish a stapler. Then I'll attack you with it, I'd really be curious to see what they'd do. Cower in fear is the likely result. Well that and call the police!

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Posted by: diver

June 24, 2009 at 12:26 PM

They didn't forget to give the information forward. It was given to the government lawyer. The lawyer made the mistake not the rcmp so maybe you should stop your venomous writing and read all of the facts. Also, if you read the email which i think you have failed to do before writing this piece you would realize that they in fact said if there was no co-operation they would maybe use the taser. What they decided is that someone who was throwing furniture and computer equipment around a secure area with witnesses and innocent bystanders would be dealt with force if necessary.

Make sure that you read all the facts and information available before condemning the rcmp for preparing.