BCCLA Calls for Moratorium and Public Inquiry into the Use of Tasers
and for Creation of an Independent Civilian Agency to Investigate Deaths In-Custody
In the wake of the disturbing video released publicly of the death of Robert Dziekanski, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association is reprising their call for a moratorium. In addition, the BCCLA is urging Stockwell Day, federal Minister for Public Safety and John Les, BC Minister for Public Safety and Solicitor General to call a joint federal/provincial inquiry into the safety and use of Tasers.
Finally, with the high rate of civilian deaths while in the custody or while being pursued by police (including motor vehicle pursuits), the BCCLA is calling on both ministers to create an independent, civilian agency to investigate civilian deaths and serious injuries, instead of the police.
Since 1992, on average, 18 civilians die in police involved incidents each year in British Columbia alone. The BCCLA encourages all concerned individuals to write/email/fax the Ministers as well as the Prime Minister:
The BCCLA is deeply concerned about the inadequate level of accountability in British Columbia's police forces. We are urging members of the public to contact appropriate members of the government and voice their concerns. The BCCLA has created a letter that can be copied or modified (see below).
You can send this letter, or your own, by mail, fax or e-mail to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, Priemer Gordon Campbell, Solicitor General John Les, and your local MP and MLA.
Members of Parliament
Members of the B.C. Legislative Assembly
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Sirs / Madams
Since 1992, an average of 18 civilians die in police-involved incidents each year in British Columbia alone. After the public release of the disturbing video of the death of Robert Dziekanski, as well as other high-profile in-custody deaths in B.C., I do not feel confident in the existing mechanisms that are meant to ensure accountability within the police forces operating in British Columbia.
As my government representative, I believe it is your duty to ensure that the professional standards and conduct of police officers is of a calibre that instills pride and confidence within the hearts and minds of Canadians. Consequently, I am asking you to create an independent, civilian agency to investigate in-custody deaths and serious injuries, instead of the police.
Gordon Campbell – Premier
Fax: 250.387.0087
Office of the Premier
PO Box 9041
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC
V8W 9E1
Email: premier@gov.bc.ca
John Les - Solicitor General of B.C.
Room 236
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Tel: (250) 356-7717
Fax: (250) 356-8270
Email: john.les.mla@leg.bc.ca
Stockwell Day - Public Safety Minister
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Tel: 613.995.1702
Fax: 613.995.1154
Email: day.s@parl.gc.ca
Stephen Harper - Prime Minister
Email: pm@pm.gc.ca
Fax: 613-941-6900
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa
K1A 0A2
BCCLA Alleges RCMP of Misrepresentation After Death of Robert Dziekanski
The BCCLA today filed a formal complaint against the RCMP for misrepresenting the facts of Robert Dziekanski's death and unreasonably seizing and actively suppressing a video recording of the incident.
Complaint
News Release
November 13, 2007
BCCLA Calls For Moratorium on Tasers
The BCCLA is calling on the Solicitor General of British Columbia to issue a moratorium on the use of the Taser gun in British Columbia until such time as uniform standards for training, use and accountability are enshrined and enforced in law, and research confirms that the staggering accidental death rate associated with Tasers can be significantly reduced.
November 1, 2007
BCCLA Initiates RCMP Complaint in Death of Robert Dziekanski
Letter to Paul Kennedy, Chair Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP.
October 24, 2007
Death In-Custody
