The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a 48-year-old female by the RCMP that resulted in her sustaining a fractured wrist.
On June 16, 2020, the RCMP advised the IIU of an incident that occurred on June 11, 2020 at approximately 2:30pm in Portage la Prairie. According to this notification, officers responded to a call for assistance at a residence. Upon arrival, they encountered a female who was combative and threatened police officers. Officers attempted to take the female into custody, but she continued to be uncooperative and force was used to arrest her. She was arrested and transported to the detachment. She was later released.
On June 15, the female attended the detachment and advised she had attended a hospital on June 14 and had been diagnosed with a fractured wrist.
As a fractured wrist is defined as a serious injury pursuant to regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this mandatory investigation in accordance with section 65(4) of the Police Services Act (PSA).
IIU investigators were assigned to this investigation and reviewed the following materials:
- Subject officer’s general report, notes and subject behaviour and officer response data;
- 911 audio from the RCMP Communication Centre;
- Video of affected person in holding room area; and
- Second subject officer’s narrative report and notes.
The civilian director took into consideration whether the serious injury suffered by the affected person may have resulted from the actions of the police officer and, if so, whether the officer’s actions were justified. He determined that no charges would be laid against the subject officers.
The IIU investigation is now complete and the matter is closed.
