Adam Huras (The Daily Gleaner) – The province’s police watchdog has recorded a spike in the number of citizens’ complaints alleging that New Brunswick police officers are abusing their power.
The New Brunswick Police Commission received more than double the number of grievances classified as allegations of “abuse of authority” last year compared to the prior fiscal year.
The independent oversight body’s newly released 2009-10 reports shows a total of 181 complaints – its highest number recorded in the last five years – a 33 per cent increase over last year.
A total of 53 complaints were labeled an alleged abuse of authority, up from 24 the year before and just 17 in 2007-08.
But the figures contrast the total number of complaints deemed to be founded after the commission’s review.
Just two complaints came to that conclusion.
“More and more people now use their cellphone and capture video of police activity,” said Pierre Beaudoin, executive director of the commission.
“It could also mean a greater comfort zone to make a report, and we encourage that, for people to voice their concerns and to seek answers … But the increase in complaints doesn’t necessary translate into a corresponding increase in findings.”
He added: “We don’t see it as requiring some specific distinct action on the part of the commission or police departments in relation to the quality of their policing, at least to this point.”
The number of complaints reviewed by the commission has climbed in each of the last four years.
There were 71 in 2006-07, and in 2009-10, there were 181.
A total of 61 complaints were classified as alleged “discreditable conduct,” a number that increased by six from last year.
There were 30 neglect-of-duty complaints, and a smaller number of other complaints, including “deceitful behaviour” and “improper disclosure of information.”
There were also five complaints of workplace harassment. That was down from eight the previous year.
For the second straight year, only two complaints were deemed founded – a significant decrease from 30 founded cases in 2005-06.
However, roughly 30 of the cases last year were solved by a settlement conference or informal resolution.
That would result in the officer in question and chief of police discussing the issues and agreeing on a sanction that could range from an apology to operational changes.
“Keep in mind that overall objective of the Police Act and the code of professional conduct is to educate and correct rather than to punish, unless the disagreement could affect the reputation of the police force,” Beaudoin said.
An RCMP public opinion poll released in April found that New Brunswickers are among the most satisfied with the Mounties and their police work in the province.
The survey found 90 per cent of New Brunswickers are satisfied with the RCMP’s contribution toward ensuring safe homes and communities, above the national average of 84 per cent.
The commission investigates and then aims to resolve citizens’ complaints related to the conduct of police officers.
It also looks into other aspect of police services, including the review of whether municipal, regional and RCMP forces offer adequate levels of policing in the province.
“When people bring these things to the attention of the commission it gives us the opportunity to look it over and analyze it,” Beaudoin said. “It’s a positive process.”
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