Grand chief weighs in on in-custody death

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This article was published 15/07/2022 (1189 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is demanding transparency in the investigation of a man’s death at the Long Plain Manitoba First Nations Police Service detachment.

The July 9 incident involving 42-year-old Jeremy Peters is being probed by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, which looks into police incidents.

He had been detained under the Intoxicated Persons Act and was taken to the detachment at about 2:17 p.m. He was found unresponsive in the cell just over an hour later.

He was taken to hospital in Portage la Prairie, and was pronounced dead.

The Independent Investigation Unit said it was notified of the man’s death on the same day. Since the case involves a fatality, it has asked the Manitoba Police Commission for a civilian monitor.

On Friday, the day Peters was buried, SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said there must be “accountability and transparency in the investigation.”

He threw his support behind Long Plain Chief Kyra Wilson, who has called for a community liaison to monitor the watchdog.

First Nations citizens are at greater risk of experiencing racism and death in the criminal justice system, SCO said.

“Police services have a responsibility to serve the citizens in the community and ensure those who have been arrested are provided adequate care and attention while in custody,” said Daniels.

“First Nation people should not fear for their lives when they are arrested and taken into custody.”

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca