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Potential Reforms to B.C.’s Police Act Following Myles Gray Case
The question of whether the tragic death of Myles Gray will prompt a reassessment of British Columbia’s Police Act has surfaced once again. This follows an investigation under the Police Act into the events surrounding Gray’s death, which concluded that the conduct of the seven officers involved did not amount to misconduct.
According to the investigation, claims regarding abuse of authority and neglect of duty were deemed “not substantiated.”
Myles Gray, who was 33 years old, died after a confrontation with the Vancouver Police in 2015. A coroner’s inquest later classified his death as a homicide, raising questions about police conduct during the incident.
In an 85-page report, Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord, serving as the Discipline Authority, acknowledged the constraints of the Police Act in assessing officer behavior. “Police Act discipline proceedings differ significantly from trials or various administrative tribunal hearings,” Dubord remarked.
Concerns Over Discipline Process
Dubord highlighted the limited nature of evidence gathered, noting that it primarily consists of written records without the opportunity for cross-examination. “While the respondent officers may contest findings, the lack of a system to challenge their evidence creates an imbalanced process,” he pointed out.
On Wednesday, Ian Donaldson, representing the Gray family, expressed serious concerns regarding the findings and process outlined by Dubord. “If the Police Act is at fault, then it necessitates a reevaluation to ensure accountability while preventing self-incrimination,” he stated.
Political Responses and Upcoming Elections
As British Columbia approaches a provincial election, the implications of the Gray case are becoming a topic of political discourse. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad emphasized the role of the independent Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner in investigating such matters: “They must have the capacity to gather information and ask critical questions.”
Meanwhile, NDP candidate Mike Farnworth, who previously held the position of solicitor general, noted he would not receive access to Dubord’s report until after the election. However, he indicated that the report could inform ongoing reforms within the Police Act, particularly regarding accountability in disciplinary matters.
Impact on the Gray Family
The Gray family’s journey through this process has been fraught with difficulty. Melissa Gray, Myles’s sister, expressed her ongoing frustration, stating, “I’m pretty upset, but I’m not surprised. It has been nine years of this, and we’ve made no progress. It feels like just another blow.”
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner announced on Thursday that it is currently reviewing the case file and may propose recommendations. Additionally, there is the possibility of an independent review led by a retired judge, which may involve a public hearing to examine the circumstances surrounding Gray’s death.
Source
globalnews.ca