(Submitted photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By Rob Mahon

In-Custody Deaths

Prince Albert police issue statement following in-custody deaths

Nov 10, 2021 | 9:35 AM

After three people died in police custody in just over a month, the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) has released a statement about these deaths.

“Each is a tragedy for our community and a devastating loss for families who have lost loved ones,” reads the statement. “As a police service, we recognize there are many questions and we acknowledge concerns from community leaders, residents, and advocacy groups about safety, supervision, and oversight in police cells.”

According to the statement, police are investigating each of the deaths, but the investigative process can take months or even years. It also said they recognize “the strain that can result from such investigations and the impact that these investigations can have on trust and relationships within the community.”

The statement went on to say the PAPS supported a thorough investigation by outside agencies with public oversight from independent observers. They also said they acknowledge the strain this can put on their staff and offered in-house and online supports for them.

Police said they are also reviewing the results of previous coroner’s inquests for in-custody deaths. These include recommendations from a 2014 inquiry following the death of William Leonard Ballantyne. Some of those recommendations include reporting any “medical abnormality” to the Sergeant and not removing anyone from a hospital or medical facility without first consulting a medical practitioner unless there is an immediate danger to the public.

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“This is in addition to a pilot partnership with Parkland Ambulance and the Saskatchewan Health Authority that ensures on-site medical care and supervision is available in our cellblock seven days a week between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.,” the statement continued. “The police service continues to partner on initiatives aimed at better supporting vulnerable members in our community, including the Police and Crisis Team (PACT), which connects vulnerable residents with services and social supports in the community; and participates in the HUB model, in which representatives from various support agencies in the community are working together to address public safety concerns.”

Police also said they cannot comment on the specifics of each file. Most recently, a 33-year-old man died on Nov. 9. Police found him in his cell around 7:30 that evening and although paramedics performed emergency care, he died at Victoria Hospital.

A 35-year-old man was found unresponsive in the PAPS detention area on Oct. 11 and a 29-year-old man died after going into medical distress on Oct. 5 after police investigated a disturbance at Victoria Hospital.

A 53-year-old man died on Nov. 5 at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre after being found unresponsive in his cell.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP