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BCCLA Opposes Use of Foreign Police in Canada

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association continues to oppose the use of foreign law enforcement officials in policing Canadians after the release of a final report from the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (“CPC”) into the BCCLA’s Operation Pipeline complaint. On March 10, 2005, the BCCLA complained that Texas State Troopers had been permitted by the RCMP to engage in law enforcement activities as part of an exchange program in British Columbia focused on the drug trade.

The BCCLA also complained that the Troopers and the RCMP did not have legal authority to stop a particular motorist or search his car and that “drug recognition experts” should not be used because of the risk of consistent errors. In an interim report by the CPC on December 29, 2006, the CPC upheld most of the BCCLA’s complaints. A final report by the CPC was delivered in July 2008 after an 18 month delay by the RCMP in responding to the CPC’s interim report.

BCCLA Executive Director Murray Mollard “There is good news and bad news in the outcome of our complaint. The good news is that our complaint was substantiated for the most part and there will be a review of the legality of Operation Pipeline-like RCMP initiatives. The bad news is that the CPC made no recommendation for discipline of the RCMP officers despite their illegal conduct, foreign police can still operate in Canada, and the delay by RCMP Commissioner Elliott makes a mockery of the RCMP complaint system.”

The BCCLA has sent a letter to RCMP Commissioner Bill Elliott asking for a copy of the RCMP’s assessment of the legality of Operation Pipeline, objecting to his delay in responding to the CPC, asking for discipline to be imposed on the RCMP officers and advising Mr. Elliott of our continued opposition to foreign police undertaking direct policing activities in Canada. The CPC’s final and interim reports, Commissioner Elliott’s response to the CPC, and the BCCLA original complaint can be found here>>

The BCCLA’s letter to Commissioner Elliott can be

CIVIL LIBERTIES CAN’T PROTECT THEMSELVES