RCMP Watch

(The Leader-Post) - Having recently spent an inordinate and increasing amount of time assisting with complaints of racism from RCMP officers, cadets, and RCMP civilian staff, we are left with extra questions when tragedies such as the recent RCMP shootings at White Bear and Muskowekwan First Nations occur.

What makes us even more uneasy is that, in almost every case, the RCMP brass retaliate, minimize and attempt to silence the whistle-blowers. Perpetrators of the abuse are the ones who end up being protected.

RCMP Sgt. Carole Raymond is quoted in a June 18 Leader-Post article as saying, “the training program is exceptional” and that “we have good communications with all of our communities”. She went on to state that the RCMP is always looking for ways to improve relationships and resolve differences.

Actually, several of the complaints we have received have come from cadets, instructors and civilian staff within that “exceptional” training program at Regina’s “Depot” Division. If the RCMP is looking for ways to improve relationships, it may want to begin right there in the training phase. All of the members who we have assisted have faced incredible resistance and abuse from the RCMP hierarchy rather than any attempt to “resolve differences” or to correct the poisonous atmosphere within.

Raymond referred, in the Leader-Post article, to the various scenarios of training at “Depot”, including self- defence. I look forward to hearing of RCMP officers who have actually used self-defence skills, including effective communication, to conclude such potentially fatal incidents without any loss of life. I would then agree that the officers involved at least used some bravery to “resolve differences” rather than immediately resorting to non-contact Tasering or certain lethal force.

Bob Hughes
Hughes is spokesperson for the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism.
Regina