B.C. Premier Supports Officers Following TASER Use

Following the death of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish citizen, who was subdued with a Taser, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell supported the four police officers involved in the skirmish. Recently released Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emails show that Commissioner William Elliott, called the officers to express his support immediately after a private video of the incident was made public in November of 2007.

In a November 15 email from Commissioner Elliott to Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, Elliott stated, “I know this is tough on you and all the folks in E Division (British Columbia]. Please be assured of my ongoing support.”

The gesture was well received, according to Deputy Commissioner Bass, who is responsible for RCMP operations in British Columbia. The next day Bass said, “Your call to the members is a big hit and it is the buzz around Richmond this afternoon.”

Liberal RCMPs believe expressions of support from such lofty officials are highly inappropriate. MP Ujjal Dosanjh said he understands Commissioner Elliott’s urge to call his officers. Nevertheless, Dosanjh also said he believe it was “inappropriate” given the possibility of disciplinary action or a police investigation in relation to the death of Robert Dziekanski. “Given that potential, I believe that Mr. Elliott’s conduct is entirely inappropriate,” Mr. Dosanjh said.

MP Penny Priddy stated her belief that Mr. Campbell should have reserved statements about his continuing support for the use of TASERs because they are still the subject of several ongoing investigations, most notably one in British Columbia.

She said, “It suggests that all these inquiries are just make-work exercises.”

On July 17, 2008, the RCMP stated that it plans to continue independent investigations into the use of TASERs and into the incident.

Bristling, Commissioner Elliott said, “To suggest that there is something improper about the expression of sympathy and support for all of the individuals involved in this tragic event, including the RCMP’s support for our employees, is wrong.”

He said, “We remain committed to providing personal support to all of our employees who we rely on to do challenging and important jobs, often under difficult circumstances.”

Deputy Commissioner Bass wrote to senior colleagues in Ottawa stating, “[Mr. Campbell] was highly complimentary of the force, disappointed over the degree of criticism and wants to support the members involved somehow. He supports the continued use of TASER and any other tools which support and protect our members.”

In October of 2007, a Polish citizen in the arrivals area of the Vancouver, B.C. airport began acting erratically by swinging a table and a chair around and damaging equipment, including computers. No one was able to communicate with Robert Dziekanski in a language he could understand. Bystanders and officials stated that it sounded like he was speaking Russian.

Officials used a TASER to subdue Dziekanski. Even after the incident, when he was on the floor and being restrained by officers, the man continued screaming and resisting. Shortly thereafter he went limp and was initially presumed to have become unconscious.