(Submitted Photo/Prince Albert Police Service)

By paNOW Staff

IN CUSTODY DEATHS

Year in Review: Demands for answers following in-custody deaths in P.A.

Dec 27, 2021 | 12:00 PM

As 2021 draws to a close, paNOW is looking back on the most important and impactful stories of the year, as selected by our reporters and editorial staff.

Within the span of a month, four in-custody deaths were reported in Prince Albert, leading to a barrage of questions and demands for answers.

The first report came in early October after the Prince Albert Police Service said a 35-year-old man died days after he was arrested.

He was taken into custody on Oct. 8 on multiple outstanding warrants and moved to the police detention area.

On Oct. 11, the man was found unresponsive in his cell and taken to Victoria Hospital, where he later died.

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One day later, on Oct. 12, a 29-year-old man died after he went into medical distress at Victoria Hospital. Police were initially called to a disturbance at the hospital on Oct. 5. When officers arrived the man went into medical distress and due to the seriousness of the distress, he was taken to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, where he died a few days later.

In November, police said a 33-year-old man died after he was found unresponsive at the detention area.

Around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 7, officers found the man in his cell.

He was arrested earlier in the day without incident as he had outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was in the detention area waiting to appear before a provincial court judge.

Paramedics on shift provided emergency medical care, however, he later died at the Victoria Hospital.

Another death was reported on Nov. 5, where a 53-year-old man died at the Prince Albert Correctional Centre.

The sudden deaths triggered a call for action from the PAGC and the FSIN, demanding an intervention of the Prince Albert Police Service and a review of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

“These in-custody deaths have raised serious concerns regarding the competence of the Prince Albert Police Service and their ability to serve the broader community in general,” said FSIN Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat.

While the identities of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been released, the FSIN and PAGC want answers from the SHA as well about its responsibility to ensure oversight is provided ‘to those in police custody suffering from drug and alcohol addictions or other underlying medical conditions.’

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said recommendations from past public inquests have not been taken seriously by the PAPS or the SHA.

“We will not wait two years or more for more recommendations from yet another public inquiry. As we can see, time is not on our side – drastic changes need to happen now,” Hardlotte said.

In response to the deaths, Prince Albert police released a statement saying each case is being investigated but the process can take months or even years.

“We 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 reads.

“Each is a tragedy for our community and a devastating loss for families who have lost loved ones, 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.”

Police said they are also reviewing the results of previous coroner’s inquests for in-custody deaths which 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.

“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 provincial Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Christine Tell also commented on the deaths and the investigation saying while investigations like this take longer than many would like, the time is necessary to make sure officials can complete a full review of the circumstances.

Tell said she has discussed the in-custody deaths with the Saskatchewan Police Commission.

“I understand the Commission will be conducting a review of policies and standards related to the care of people in custody. The goal of this review will be to ensure Saskatchewan police services maintain and follow best practices when they are required to hold people in custody,” she said.

Meanwhile, the SHA said in a release to paNOW that it will assist with any investigation by the government, Saskatchewan Coroners Service or police services if requested.

“In addition, SHA can and does directly conduct critical incident reviews into deaths related to the SHA’s provision of health care services. SHA’s role regarding oversight within police cells is limited to the provision of health care through contracted services for a dedicated paramedic on site. Federal funding began May 1, 2021, which allows this service to be provided 12 hours a day, seven days a week.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertNOW