RCMP Reponse to Commission Recommendations regarding Policy, Practice, and Training
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A. RCMP Reponse to Commission Recommendations regarding Policy, Practice, and Training
1. The Detachment Commander should conduct regular "spot checks" of Prisoner Reports to ensure that the proper notations are being made, as required by RCMP policy.
Supported. The Operational Support Non-Commissioned Officer and the Detachment Commander now conduct "spot checks" of Prisoner Reports on a weekly basis.
2. The Detachment Commander should conduct regular "spot checks" of cell log books to ensure that Watch Commanders are checking and assessing prisoners at the beginning, end and throughout their shifts, as required by RCMP policy.
Supported. The Operational Support Non-Commissioned Officer and the Detachment Commander now conduct "spot checks" of Prisoner Reports on a weekly basis. The RCMP is currently reviewing national policy in order to make amendments with respect to prisoner logbook documentation and reviews and the clear identification of the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and commanders.
3. Watch Commanders should review Prisoner Reports at the beginning and end of their shifts, and identify and remedy or direct the remedying of any deficiencies.
Supported. This measure is now in place.
4. The Detachment Commander should review with all members and guards the importance of and the need for meaningful, thorough and consistent communication with respect to persons in custody at the Whitehorse RCMP Detachment.
Supported. This corrective action has been taken. Effective communication in the Whitehorse Detachment cell block is emphasized on a regular basis and a special corporal position has been created for the purpose of enhancing supervision in the cell block area.
5. Watch Commanders should review cell log books intermittently throughout and at the end of their shifts to ensure compliance with RCMP policy regarding checking and monitoring prisoners, as well as recording same.
Supported. This recommendation has now been implemented.
6. The RCMP should implement directives concerning the requirement to note and communicate, by way of the cell log book, prisoner condition generally and where illness is possible and/or suspected, as well as cell condition when foreign matter or bodily substances are present.
Supported.
B. Recommendations relating to issues arising from alcohol or drug consumption
1. Members of the Whitehorse RCMP, as well as all guards and matrons working at the Whitehorse RCMP cells, should be given further training regarding signs and symptoms of impairment, and medical conditions that may arise therefrom.
Supported. The Commissioner noted that significant changes are occurring in Whitehorse with respect to the manner in which the RCMP manages prisoners due to the current construction of the new Yukon Secure Assessment Centre, and indicated that specific training requirements were currently being identified through consultations with medical professionals in Whitehorse.
2. The Detachment Commander should establish a tracking and monitoring system for member and guard responses to incidents involving acutely intoxicated individuals.
Supported. Member and guard responses to incidents involving acutely intoxicated individuals are now tracked through the prisoner log book, as well as a separate medical/Emergency Medical Services log book.
3. The RCMP should work with the Commission to facilitate a yearly review of files concerning incidents involving acutely intoxicated individuals by Commission staff for a period of at least three years following this report.
Supported.
4. The RCMP should provide members new to the Whitehorse community with an orientation whereby local medical professionals may address the recognition of medical issues arising from alcohol or drug consumption. Members already working in the area should be provided with similar training on a regular basis.
Supported.
C. Recommendations relating to the provision of medical assistance to persons in custody
1. The Detachment Commander, in consultation with medical professionals, should further refine the policy requiring the immediate provision of medical assistance in cases of excessive vomiting in order to include an objective and measurable standard.
Supported. The Commissioner noted that policy requirements with respect to the provision of medical assistance will continue to have some elements of subjectivity; he agreed that RCMP policy in this area is inadequate in that it requires revision and improvement. The RCMP is currently undertaking this review of policy and this has involved consultations with local medical professionals.
2. The RCMP should create a consultative group that includes medical professionals in order to strengthen national operational policy regarding the provision of medical assistance for persons in RCMP custody.
Supported. The RCMP is implementing this initiative.
D. Recommendation relating to respecting the RCMP's core values
1. All members of the Whitehorse RCMP Detachment, as well as the guards and matrons employed by the Detachment, should be provided with training on creating a respectful environment and interacting in a manner consistent with the RCMP's core values, within both the Detachment and the larger community.
Supported.
E. Recommendation relating to the disclosure of the guardroom audio
The RCMP should appoint an independent investigator to review the circumstances surrounding the late or non-disclosure of the guardroom audio and to report the findings of such review to both the Commissioner and the Commission.
Supported. The RCMP has referred the matter to the Lethbridge Regional Police Service for investigation. A copy of the investigation report outlining the findings will be provided to the Commission once it is completed.
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