"RCMP Pepper Spray Baby..."

According to the RCMP's strategic priorities, they will bring down the "barometer of crime" by focusing on organized crime, terrorism, youth, aboriginal communties, and economic integrity. Wait a minute, aboriginal communities labelled as a focus to reduce crime-sounds like a stereotype to me. In other words, a perfect example of how racism is structurally embedded in our political systems.

In this particular video, the RCMP incidently use pepper spray to calm down an excited aboriginal family after a youth soccer game. Apparently even their baby was out of control. Watch and make your own assessment. One question: what kind of people are we empowering to protect and serve our communities?

"Cops to Stake Out the Net"

Similar to yesterday's post on China's internet censorship, the federal government of Canada intends to make a push towards empowering police to gain access to people's online information without a warrant. For instance, in a recent National Post article, "civil libertites groups fear erosion of privacy rights." In other words, some acivist groups are concerned that the Canadian federal government is strongly advocating for legislation that would essentially "force internet service providers to turn customers' personal information over to police without a court order." Evidently, the RCMP have been pressuring the federal government for quite some time as it would substantially improve their ability and quickness in building suspect profiles.

In November of 2005, our former Liberal government initiated the lawful access bill which is the first step in granting police with the power access anyone's internet information. However, it did not pass before the federal election was called.

My Critique
To grant police access to unwarranted internet information is simply a violation of our rights to private personal lives. Please tell me where the Privacy Act of Canada plays a role? According to the act, organizations must "obtain your consent when they collect, use or disclose your personal information." In effect,only in extreme cases should police need to access personal private internet information; and those cases warrants should be justified.

Advocacy of the Devil
Globalization and the communication power of the internet has both positive and negative implications. Unfortunately, some negative aspects include the ability for criminals to mask their identities, organize, and mobilize across the world. Not to mention the ability for 'sexual predators' on the internet to flourish. If these criminals can simply hide behind the web-isn't then, the internet a great tool for criminals to carry on their mishaps. The right to privacy does not grant us the right to be protected behind the mask that is the internet.

"Control, Outside Our Borders"

CHINESE AUTHORITIES, CENSORSHIP, AND THE INTERNET...

In the Western World, it is common opinion that the Chinese government actively controls what content the people of China access on the internet. However, a recent article in the Globe and Mail suggests that the Western perception of China's internet control is simply inaccurate. Rebecca MacKinnon, assistant professor of new media at Hong Kong University's Journalism and Media Studies Centre, argues that the Communist Party has survived the impact of the internet; and the root of the control is based on the Chinese public's "self-censorship." However, she doesn't doubt that the Chinese authorities could and would "crack down" at any moment if they believed it was necessary.

My Critique
First, I realize this post is slightly different than the rest in that it deals less with police directly-but it does question the use of power by governments. Yes, for the most part, federal governments retain the power in nations to control, influence, and censor what they please. In democracy, the notion is that we empower our governments to make decisions that are aligned with legislation and, ultimately, the Charter. That sounds okay right? Well, it's not democracy in question, but communism. In effect, communist governments seek a different kind of control and excise power, often, at will. This is simply unfair to the Chinese people-everyone should have the right view an 'objective' internet. Furthermore, the internet is not only a social medium, but a political, economical, and recreational entity; which has driven globalization. Let the internet be open to all!

Advocacy of the Devil
First of all, who is the Western World to criticize? Is it not society and the authorities on nearly all levels who are concerned with 'cyber theft,' internet sex predators, and such things as online breaches of intellectual property rights?? Obviously, some pretty serious things. Could it be realy that bad if the government screened a little? As in: less advertisements and less adult material. Maybe the Western World should take a page out of China's book!

"Sask Party Argues Cop Gets Off Too Easy"

In yet more efforts to make the other look bad, the Sask Party posed recent arguments which support the notion that a former Corman Park police officer got off too easily. That is, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported that Sask Party justice critic Don Morgan is arguing that a former Corman Park police officer "escaped discipline under The Police Act by quitting his position." More specifically, He was "under investigation for stalking, harassment and sexual assault." As a result of simply quitting the force, the now former officer has dodged the justice system.

Would this issue had been treated differentlty if the accused wasn't a cop? Most definitely. Morgan backs a strong and relevant argument which, essentially speaks to the notion that cops are, so to speak, 'above the law.'

The Sask Party is quick to mention that the NDP Justice Minister refused to face the public by commenting on the situation. Is it at all evident that an election is on the horizon?

"Man Dies After Being Tasered"

Two weeks ago I shared a video which shows some unethical use of tasers. Our current federal government has made it clear that they are fully supportive of police using tasers in neccessary situations. I challenge the Conseravtives to define 'necessary situations.'

Sunday, October 14th marked the last day of life for a 40 year old man at Vancouver International Airport. He was tasered by Vancouver RCMP, and later died. An article published by the ever-so-objective Vancouver Sun questions RCMP methods in Canada's latest taser death. Apparently, the man's behaviour got out of hand as he was "throwing chairs" and pounding on computer desks. He would not listen to the authories on the scene. As a result, he was tasered with 50,000 volts of electricity, and later died in a Vancouver hospital.

FIVE QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

1. Was this man out of control?
Yes, most likely.

2. Was he armed?
No, not according to press or authorities.

3. Should he have been physically subdued? Yes, for the safety of others.

4. Should he have been tasered?
No, it was a fatal result.

5. Where is the concern from our governments (public safety divsion)?
No idea...

"MPs Critical of Commissioner's Political Relationships "

In a recent news article by Kathryn May, Liberal MPs are arguing that new RCMP Commissioner William Elliott and certain political elite have a relationship that is "too cozy." More Specifically, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day has been criticized by Liberal MPs for a lack of formality in what should be formal communication with William Elliott. For example, Day not only addresses him as 'Bill' in formal emails etc, but also appears to have a very 'chumy' relationship with him. Furthermore, the Liberals seemingly question Elliott's worthiness of his position.

My Critique
First, it is importsnt to have some degree of separation and level of professionalism among the leaders we empower. However, only to certain extent. In other words, co-workers referring to eachother by their first name in emails is so insignificant in the whole scheme of things. Also, whether or not the Commissioner has been in the line of duty and told "if you're a cop I'll kill you" is irrelevant. That is, Elliot's ability to manage and essentially lead our national police force is based on his core competencies, not the bullets he's taken. In reality, it seems the Liberals are making a lackluster effort to simply damage the Conservative image.

Advocacy of the Devil
Those who represent such important entities in government must always conduct themselves professionally-especially because they are often under the public eye. The leader of Canada's police force should be referred to formally. Moreover, it is fair to say that leaders or managers who have never experienced the front lines may be less effective. Can Elliott command the the necessary respect for being a national police commissioner? Well, his lack of direct police action doesn't strengthen his image.

My Observation

In response to last weeks post about the alleged police abuse at the September Rider game in Calgary, I thought it would only be appropriate to share what I observed at last Mondays Rider game in Calgary.

First of all, from my initial arrival at the football stadium in Calgary, I was careful to pay close attention to police interaction with fans. I did experience police throwing out some fans and they DID seem to be quite rough. In other words, the level of force seemed higher than needed. Also, I must say the large amount of police was astonishing. Above is an example from that day... was it really necessary to have four officers in such a concentrated area? Well, maybe if you consider the average Rider fan to be a dangerous threat to society...

"Police Abuse First Hand"

Although somewhat disturbing, watch this video and see some police abuse first hand. Since when are taser guns used on the harmless and already restrained? In my topical research I stumbled across an excellent resource where Americans who have been abused by police can go for support, information, or simply to file complaints. In addition, it is a non-governmental and non-profit police complaint center.

"Excessive Force Close to Home"

Why do police use sometimes use excessive force and is there really any justification? I think most would concur that police must only exert physical force when absolutely necessary. However, that isn't always the case.

Case in point - a recent CFL football game in Calgary. According to a recent article in the Regina Leader Post, Calgary police used excessive force in ejecting three Saskatoon fans from the game. Apparently, the fans initiated a disturbance by "standing up and cheering really loud." As a result, one of the victims claims officers "grabbed my shoulders and threw me down several aisles before cuffing me and hauling me out of the stadium." However, the fans claimed to have been sober and simply acting in a normal way for a football game. Ironically, Calgary police spokesperson Kevin Brookwell "denied that officers used excessive force," but did admit that two of the Saskatoon fans were hit by police in the ordeal.

My Critique
In some cases, emotion and ultimately frustration can influence police conduct. We are all human, but this is absolutely unacceptable. Police cannot be given the rights or power to use excessive force at will. The badge is not a ticket to
lawlessness, it is simply a sign that we the government are trusting and empowering individuals to ethically protect and serve. Furthermore, it is up to our policy makers to not only shape, but attempt to define acceptable uses of police force in certain situations. Yes, I'm sure these fans were rowdy, loud and likely obnoxious, but does that justify being hit by authority. I think not. Democratic governments will only erode corruption such as this if they decentralize the authority to grant authority. Confused? In other words, let society be more involved in recruitment, selection and training of our police officers.

Advocacy of the Devil
Although ethical police conduct is an ongoing issue, we as democratic citizens need to be slower to not only blame police, but to confide in the media. First, the police screening and training programs are designed to shape police officers into soldiers of the law. These soldiers are taught to in many situations to use their best judgement. In other words, there are simply too many situations to define in a handbook. Moreover, we need to trust in our soldiers by looking at these situations on a case by case basis without the media biases.