April 23, 2024
Campbell River, B.C. – The following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President and CEO of the National Police Federation, in response to the Crown’s decision announced today on the July 2021 RCMP Campbell River incident.
“The National Police Federation welcomes the Crown’s decision that exonerates Campbell River RCMP Members on their actions following the stabbing and injury of a Member and killing of a Police Service Dog which resulted in the death of the subject civilian.
Our Members have endured almost three years of uncertainty since they were forced to defend themselves and their community on July 8, 2021. As we said at that time, if the subject civilian had turned themselves in peacefully, not injured a Member, and killed a Police Service Dog, the events of that tragic day could have evolved very differently. Members involved also believe the public deserves the truth and clarity on this critical and life-changing event.
The protracted uncertainty of the IIOBC investigation requiring the Crown’s subsequent review has unnecessarily and unfairly put our Members’ professionalism and reputation under question for far too long. Investigations should be led by facts and not motivated or swayed by politics. We are pleased that Crown came to their conclusion based on evidence and facts.
We thank our Members in Campbell River for their professional service and encourage them to support each other and access all available resources as necessary.
We also thank the many residents in the Campbell River community who have offered support to local Members during this difficult time. Your support means a lot to them and is much appreciated now and in the coming days during the inevitable backlash. Being a police officer is difficult and often thankless, but imperative to public safety and community wellbeing.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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