Howard Alexander, Kelowna, BC (AM 1150) – Kelowna’s top cop says if one of his officers makes a mistake, there will be consequences.
Superintendent Bill McKinnon is reacting to the charge of assault laid against Constable Christopher Brinnen.
McKinnon says the RCMP received a complaint in Febuary and completed an investigation.
“We (RCMP) don’t lay charges in this province. That’s up to the crown. The file was turned over to the crown. The crown came back saying he should be charged with assault . The assault charge has been sworn and a code of conduct investigation is ongoing.”
McKinnon says fortunately it doesn’t happen often.
“We’ve had a few officers over the past several years that have had to go to court and face charges. One was convicted earlier in the year. Mistakes are made and there has to be a consequence. We’re no different than anybody else.”
Back in February, a man complained to police he had been assaulted near a Kelowna nightclub at closing time.
Constable Brinnen will appear in court next month charged with assault.
He’ll remain on duty during the code of conduct investigation and court process.
Agreed Calvin. One can only try to limit the nefarious activities of human beings. Allowing the RCMP full control over its hiring/firing practices would be a good start. Summary dismissal for very serious offences signed onto by the membership would also be preferable.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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As long as police officers are selected from the human race there will be a percentage of unlawful, immoral and unethical acts committed by some police officers. In an organization as large as the RCMP the negative acts in my opinion are a low percentage.
The long process and missing time lines to take disciplinary action can be fixed if there is a will to do so by the people who have the power to do so.
The real problem that I see is the increasing severity of the offences where individual RCMP members are permitted to remain police officers after being convicted. This could be criminal offences or code of conduct offences. I am not referring to situations were individuals members have had a lapse in judgement or made honest mistakes. I am referring to individual members who totally disregarded the rules of the force or the law.
What is the message being sent to recruits?
I think that the public realizes that the RCMP can have problems with their members. The public cannot understand; nor will they accept or tolerate severe incidents where little or no action is taken.
Calvin Lawrence
CGL Consulting
Hot debate. What do you think?
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