The BCCLA is supporting a complaint by Mark and Rosemarie Surakka that the RCMP are improperly withholding an audio recording of a 911 call the couple already has a transcript of. The 911 call includes conversation between RCMP Constable Mike White and 911 dispatcher Theresa Ness.

“This family has legitimate reasons to believe that their daughter did not receive the police services that she should have,” said BCCLA President Robert Holmes. “That the RCMP would release a transcript of the 911 call, but not the audio, is inconsistent and increases speculation in the public and stress on this family.”

The 911 caller reported six shots fired in a residential neighbourhood. Constable White, Auxiliary Constable Danielle Girard and Constable Audley attended the location named, but did not see any problems from their car, and then cleared the call and allegedly parked for six minutes nearby before leaving. It later became clear that Mark and Rosemarie’s daughter Lisa Dudley and Guthrie McKay had been shot. Ms. Dudley and Mr. McKay were found four days later in their home. Mr. McKay was dead, and Ms. Dudley was severely wounded. She died shortly thereafter. Constables White and Audley were found to have misconducted themselves by the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP.

“We cannot conceive of a situation where a transcript could be released and not unduly impact law enforcement, but an audio recording of the same conversation could not be,” said Holmes. “The concern and speculation about the motives of the RCMP in selectively disclosing this information serves neither the RCMP nor the public. They should clear up this matter immediately.”

The BCCLA has written a letter to the federal Office of the Information Commissioner to support the Surakkas’ complaint, and cc’d that letter to the head of the RCMP for western Canada, Gary Bass.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
David Eby, Executive Director, (778) 865-7997
Robert Holmes, President, (604) 681-1310 Mark Surakka (604)796-8470