RCMP refers Sheshatshiu arrest to oversight body after community protest

The RCMP has referred a contested arrest in the Labrador Innu community of Sheshatshiu to SIRT-NL following public outcry over alleged excessive force.

RCMP sends Sheshatshiu arrest to SIRT-NL amid calls for Indigenous police service

Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have referred the case of a contested arrest in Sheshatshiu, a Labrador First Nation community, to the province's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT-NL) following public criticism over alleged excessive use of force.

"We are not able to provide any additional information while that process is underway," the RCMP said in a statement issued Thursday, one day after a protest outside the local detachment.

Community members had gathered to await the release of a man arrested the previous night at a home in Sheshatshiu. His girlfriend filmed the arrest on video. That footage prompted allegations from residents that officers used excessive force during the incident.

SIRT-NL operates under provincial legislation and is not automatically required to open a full investigation. The director may choose from several courses of action, including redirecting the matter to the RCMP's own internal complaints process. As of Thursday evening, SIRT-NL had not responded to a request for comment from CBC.

The RCMP confirmed it held a meeting with Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Chief Eugene Hart and Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini on Wednesday evening, following the protest. The force said it "will continue to engage directly with the community in these important conversations."

On Thursday, Innu Nation leadership issued a press release stating that Hart, Ashini and others had met with Labrador RCMP Inspector Danny Williams. During that meeting, Innu leaders asked that two of the three officers involved in the arrest be transferred out of the community permanently, with neither permitted to work in Sheshatshiu or Natuashish again. They have since asked that both officers be placed on administrative duties pending investigation of the incident.

Innu Nation is also renewing a longstanding call for the provincial and federal governments to take action that would allow the Innu to establish their own police service. Under current provincial legislation, the only recognized policing bodies in the province are the RCMP and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Innu Nation states that a change to that legislation is a prerequisite for accessing federal funding through the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program — funding that would be necessary to begin building an independent service.

The nation's statement noted that the province has a working group reviewing existing policing legislation, but that "the province has not yet confirmed that the Innu will be involved in this review." Federal engagement is also needed, Innu leaders said, to quickly reach a policing service agreement.

Leaders said they are scheduled to meet again with Inspector Williams the following Wednesday.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)