Canada: The Remedial Class
It pains me that this is a discussion we even need to be having.
Honestly. Out comes another report from another committee that puts forth the ‘controversial’ position that “hey, maybe if the RCMP is accused of doing something wrong, we shouldn’t let the RCMP investigate it.
From the report:
“Can the current process of the RCMP investigating itself legitimately engender confidence in the transparency and integrity of the criminal investigation and its outcome?
“Based on the results of our research and analysis, the informed commission answer is that it cannot.”
Canada, this is Responsible Government 101, and we’re failing it badly.
When a police force is accused of wrongdoing, it should be investigated by an independent body. Not because the RCMP is inherently bad, or it’s members untrustworthy. Because RCMP officers are human beings and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. (Unless Harper has one hell of an election platform up his sleeve.)
Human beings with their own biases and loyalties and preconceptions and all sort of other baggage.This isn’t even an academic question: the RCMP have shown many times that their internal investigation policies, at the very least, suspect.
That’s why we have police forces, courts and the justice system in the first place – because we figured out long ago that is when it comes to criminal misconduct, you need to have an impartial investigator.
That’s the only answer that will be accepted. No partial marks.
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It actually floors me that this is even an issue. To me, it’s common sense.
I mean, if I’m accused of stealing everyone’s lunches in the office, am I the guy who gets picked to sort out who it was?
Probably not. By the way, Scott, this bologna sandwich is delicious.
Boy, this comment really got away from me.
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Oh Adam, your inability to maintain focus is one of the reasons I love you.
But your predilection for stealing my delicious luncheon meats is not!
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