Airdrie RCMP Under Scrutiny for 11-Hour Detention Without Charges
Airdrie RCMP are facing significant scrutiny following the 11-hour detention of a disabled man last month, during which he was reportedly denied essential medication and access to legal counsel. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil and disability rights advocates, raising questions about police protocols and humane-custody standards in the region.
The situation unfolded late at night after a disturbance call regarding alleged knife possession, which officers later confirmed to be false as no weapon was found. Despite officers noting a smell of alcohol, no roadside screening, breathalyzer, or blood alcohol content (BAC) test was administered. The man, who has established mental health conditions, was held in a concrete cell described as very cold and unsanitary, lacking basic necessities like toilet paper. Crucially, he was denied both his nighttime and morning medications. Furthermore, when the right to counsel was invoked, no phone call was facilitated. He was ultimately released without charges or paperwork. Compounding the issue, a privacy breach occurred with the accidental disclosure of a caller's personal information unrelated to the detainee.
This incident resonates with broader conversations in the Calgary area concerning policing practices, mental health, and disability rights. The Calgary Police Service has actively worked to improve interactions through initiatives like their Persons with Disabilities liaison officer and by hosting events such as the Policing and Crisis Response: Mental Health Conference, aiming to enhance how law enforcement engages with vulnerable individuals. However, the Airdrie case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by police services in upholding legal and humane standards, particularly when dealing with citizens who have disabilities or are experiencing a crisis. Local groups like the Disability Action Hall in Calgary, along with the provincial Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, consistently advocate for the rights and well-being of disabled Albertans.
The detention has reignited calls for rigorous adherence to due process and compassionate care within the justice system, particularly for vulnerable individuals across the Calgary metropolitan area.
