There was a time when the killing of a police officer sent shock waves throughout the country. There used to be an outpouring of sympathy for the family of the deceased officer and the police force in general. The public used to express their appreciation of police officers who were putting their life on the line to protect and serve.
The tragic death this week of Const. Vu Pham of the Ontario Provincial Police did not seem to illicit the usual concerns except within the police community.
Perhaps events such as the death of Robert Dziekanski, who was Tasered by police at Vancouver International Airport, has turned the tide of confidence and sympathy citizens once felt for police.
In addition to Dziekanski’s death there have been other questionable deaths, particularly after individuals had been Tasered by police. It has left the public wanting to know what actually happened. They’re wondering what would be revealed if every aggressive arrest and use of a Taser was secretly recorded on video by a member of the public and then placed on YouTube. It would be a bit like Big Brother watching in reverse order or radar cameras keeping tabs on police and how they’re operating.
The RCMP and police services have steadfastly resisted any call for more transparent investigations, undertaken by civilians, to quell public concerns.
In Alberta the public is to accept one page summary reports from Alberta Serious Incident Response Team many months after an serious incident or death, and that after an investigation was undertaken behind closed doors. It’s a little bit as though they’re saying you can trust us, even though it doesn’t look like it.
The public does not see how the investigation is handled and understandably is asking what there is to hide. There is little trust left. There is also a sense that if the police were not concerned about Dziekanski they’re probably not concerned about anyone they’re dealing with.
An impression has been created that the police services’ role of protecting the public and upholding the law has changed to one of protecting themselves instead.
Questions also need to be asked about the perception that police services are focusing on collecting revenue rather than establishing a trustworthy relationship with the public to protect and serve.
Gillian Slade is a reporter for the Medicine Hat News. Contact her at gslade@medicinehatnews.com
To read all the commentary published in today's newspaper, go to http://online.medicinehatnews.com or http://archives.cedrom-sni.com/WebPages/Default2.aspx.
You are trying to make an issue out of nothing. Where do you get the idea that there is no shock or sympathy towards the officer slain in Ontario? You should have began your opinion piece in a different manner because the Dziekanski case has nothing to do with Canadians having no empathy for a slain police officer. You insult your readers.
I hope to God she is not saying because the Police do their jobs that the public could care less about one of them being killed. This editorial crosses the line so much it is unbelievable. Guess what Ms. Slade, it is part of their job to collect revenue from violators of the laws of the land, whether it is a Federal, Provinical or Municipal law. If you or anyone else can't get that thru your head it's time to go live in another country where the laws aren't enforced.
Perhaps the next time you need them, a law enforcement officer won't break their neck getting to your assistance because of the stupidity you have shown in your article.