IACOBUCCI REPORT ON POLICE COMES DOWN

After the alleged and apparent murder of Sammy Yatin one year ago by a Toronto police officer; a sweeping reviw of the Toronto Police Service's guidelines and practices was undertaken by retired Supreme Court of Canada judge, Frank Iacobucci. The retired judge indicated that firstly police officers are part of the mental-health system. As such they are front line workers and need much greater education on mental health issues. The purpose of that and other recommendations including expanded use of tasers and officers with body-worn cameras would be to avoid further instances of deadly use of force on the mentally ill.

These are all probably very good ideas. Even more important is an attitude change from the top right down to the bottom ranks. Some police officers have an us versus them attitude. Some are way too macho and ready to prove their the toughest nuts on the block. There was no excuse for what happened last July resulting in the death of Sammy Yatin. I believe the officer who shot Sammy as well as the officer who after the fact tasered him have both been charged criminally. That's what is required far more often. Train the police just like the rest of us that unecessary deadly force will have serious consequences. Last year's case thank goodness was caught on tape and there is no stickhandling around the facts. Justice will not bring back Sammy Yatin but it may prevent further unecessary deaths of people who are in crisis.

Last Friday's Waterloo Region Record carrys the story : "Tasers, cameras, training may help save lives: report".