November 15, 2023
Following is a statement from Jeff Swann, Board Director, Pacific – North (B.C.) of the National Police Federation on the tragic events that transpired in Langley, B.C., last week and recent criticism of police response.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the tragic situation in Langley, B.C., on Friday, November 10, including Members of the RCMP, the community, family, and friends.
Police are highly trained to respond to active threats and have a responsibility and right to protect themselves and others to keep residents safe. It can be easy and even fashionable to blame the police, but it’s also simply unfair and ignores the larger gaps in funding and supports. In this case, it also completely ignores the fact that shots were fired at the police.
We welcome a thorough, timely, and transparent investigation into what transpired. We are supporting our Members and helping to ensure they’re getting the resources they need following this violent and tragic event.
Mental health calls are rarely isolated events. Most often, they are the result of ongoing and multiple breakdowns in the social and healthcare continuum that leave vulnerable British Columbians without the professional, accessible supports they need.
This is one of the many reasons that the National Police Federation has been calling on the Province of B.C. and governments across Canada to increase funding and supports to help those in need before a situation becomes dangerous.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) is the largest police union in Canada, representing ~20,000 Members of the RCMP. We are focused on improving public safety in Canada for our Members and all Canadians by advocating for investment in policing and other related supports and services. This includes calling for required resourcing, equipment, and supports to enhance community safety and livability in the communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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