RCMP Complaints Commissioner Launches Probe into In Custody Death At P.G. Detachment

(250 News) Prince George, B.C. -  There is now a  third probe into the in custody  death of 42 year old Cheryl Anne Bouey of Prince George.

The Chair of the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, Paul E. Kennedy, has initiated a complaint into the conduct of those unidentified RCMP members involved in the arrest, and subsequent detention in the Prince George RCMP cells of Cheryl Anne Bouey on June 26, 2008.

In his complaint, Mr. Kennedy indicates that given the on-going expressions of public concern as they relate to the detention, monitoring and treatment of prisoners in RCMP custody, the magnitude of the responsibility assumed by the RCMP in relation to persons held in its custody and his previous recommendations to the RCMP on such matters, he is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to investigate the conduct of all members involved in this incident.

Kennedy’s complaint is into the conduct of all RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under the authority of the RCMP Act involved in this incident, as well as matters of general practice applicable to situations in which persons are held in the custody of the RCMP. Specifically:

• whether the RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under the authority of the RCMP Act involved in the events of June 26, 2008, from the moment of initial contact and arrest, through to the  subsequent detention and death of Cheryl Anne Bouey, complied with all appropriate training, policies, procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements relating to persons held in RCMP custody;
• whether the RCMP members at the Prince George RCMP Detachment provided adequate supervision and direction to the guard or guards who were charged with the care and handling of prisoners in the custody of the Prince George RCMP during the period of Ms. Bouey’s detention and subsequent death; and
• whether the RCMP national, divisional and detachment-level policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the monitoring and treatment of persons detained in RCMP custody are adequate to ensure the proper care and safety thereof.

There is an independent police investigation of this case, there will be a coroner’s inquest and this complaint brings to three the number of public investigations into  Bouey’s death.

RCMP say   Bouey  and a man were arrested near the College Heights pub for being intoxicated in a public place.  The two were taken back to cells and the intent was to have them released in the morning when  they were sober.  According to police,  during a regular check,  Bouey was  found unresponsive.  An ambulance was called, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.