A provincial organization that investigates civilian complaints against police received 32-per-cent more grievances from across Saskatchewan this past year — including 214 per cent more accusations from Moose Javians — with many submissions related to pandemic health orders.
The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) opened 219 files during the 2020-21 year — April 1 to March 31 — a jump from 166 files opened during the 2019-20 year, its annual report said. This increase of 53 complaints represents a jump of 32 per cent.
In Moose Jaw, the PCC opened 22 files, compared to seven files during the 2019-20 year. This increase of 15 complaints represents a jump of 214 per cent.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in complaints related to the various public health measures in place throughout the past year, and the PCC will continue to monitor these complaints closely as the pandemic evolves,” the report said.
The pandemic “caused immense hardship” for the entire province, while the added stress that the public health concerns caused was sustained for a long period and everyone — including the police — was affected, continued the report.
The organization noted a significant number of complaints tied directly to the pandemic, such as confrontations between police and those opposed to mask-wearing requirements or other public health measures.
While the PCC opened 219 complaint-related files during the 2020-21 year, it ended up dealing with 246 grievances since some had multiple accusations and findings.
The PCC dealt with 23 total complaints in Moose Jaw. After investigating, it found that eight accusations were unfounded and lacked evidence, one complaint was withdrawn, two complaints were determined to be frivolous under The Police Act and did not require investigation, one was related to service or policy, and 11 complaints have not been completed.
Six complaints were related to discreditable conduct, three were for neglect of duty, one for improper arrest, one for an officer being discourteous or uncivil, one for another issue, and 11 concerns that have not been concluded.
Province-wide, three complaints were substantiated and supported by evidence, 12 were unsubstantiated and could not be proven, 78 accusations were unfounded and not supported by evidence, 27 were withdrawn, 89 complaints have not been concluded, 21 issues were determined to be frivolous, seven were related to service or policy, and nine were resolved informally.
Calls for service involving people experiencing mental health crises — and the sometimes violent interactions that can result — are also an increasing concern, the report said. Some calls were related to the pandemic and can be expected to continue for some time. Other service calls were related to the ongoing addiction crisis in Saskatchewan — an issue the pandemic has made worse.
“These encounters are distressing for all involved and the PCC continues to encourage increased training in this area for police officers,” said the report.
Meanwhile, there is an increased need for police officers to articulate the rationale for their actions properly, especially as they come under increased scrutiny due to their effect on individuals’ rights, continued the report. This is particularly important when police used force during an arrest so that officers’ actions can be fairly examined when public complaints result.
“Although this has improved somewhat, it remains a concern,” the report noted.
The increased use of police car cameras, video recordings inside police buildings, the use of social media by on-duty officers and the increasing use of body-worn cameras have all helped with PCC investigations, the report added, while the use of these resources continues to be of great interest.
