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By Nigel Maxwell

Reconciliation

PAGC and police release statement on viral video

Jul 8, 2020 | 2:57 PM

One week after representatives from Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) met behind closed doors to discuss a viral video, a joint statement has been released, and both sides have made commitment to reconciliation.

The video which was posted to a Facebook page on June 26, showed a police officer’s physical takedown of a First Nations man while police were investigating a complaint of a disturbance outside a business in the 200 Block of 32^nd Street West. A second video which surfaced in the days after showed at least two men fighting outside the doors of the Tim Horton’s restaurant.

In the joint statement, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte explained the sequence of the events shown in the video were carefully reviewed, and police were questioned about the handling of the individual by the police officer, who appeared not to be resisting arrest.

“Similar to what is happening in other parts of the country, we believe this incident underscores our historic grievances that our First Nation members have been treated harshly based on their race and lifestyles,” Hardlotte said.

The statement goes to explain that discussion at the meeting included the importance of cross-cultural awareness and the techniques police officers are taught in training, such as de-escalation, effective communication and other interventions. Hardlotte also confirmed for paNOW that PAGC will be supporting an investigation through the Saskatchewan Public Complaints commission, as well as both internal and external reviews.

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“You know we want to ensure we have a healthy relationship with the police, and we have had that good relationship, but we believe further investigation is warranted related to that level of force,” he said, adding the individual being arrested showed no signs of resisting arrest.

Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie also provided comments in Wednesday’s statement, and explained the meeting was an opportunity to share the hurt and anger felt by the individual and his family. He added it also provided an opportunity to candidly talk about longstanding issues experienced by PAGC members at large.

“We hope this will lead to continued discussions on the work that is needed to promote changes in law enforcement culture and practices, which will not only enhance respectful policing but improve police-community relations for the benefit of all living here.”

Chief of Police Jonathan Bergen said the police service is encouraged by the discussion that took place last week and reciprocates PAGC’s efforts to ensure all residents and visitors enjoy the same level of respect, safety, and protection within the City of Prince Albert.

“We appreciated the opportunity to sit down with leaders from the Prince Albert Grand Council to hear their concerns and learn how we can improve our police response to better meet the needs of the community,” Bergen said. “As a police service, we are accountable to the public and ensuring public safety for all in order to maintain the trust and confidence of those we serve.”

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell