Final Status Report

CPC/RCMP Independent Observer Pilot Project: In-custody serious injury in Chilliwack, B.C., November 19, 2007, involving the use of a conducted energy weapon

It was reported that, on November 19, 2007, officers in Chilliwack responded to a call from store employees that a male, later identified as Mr. Robert Knipstrom, was exhibiting strange behaviour. An altercation ensued during which Mr. Knipstrom was hit, pepper-sprayed, struck with a baton and subjected to electric shock from a conducted energy weapon (Taser). Mr. Knipstrom was eventually subdued and arrested under the Mental Health Act. He was transported to the hospital where he became unresponsive and eventually passed away on December 1, 2007.

Based on the information received, the CPC Chair, on November 20, 2007, requested that the CPC Observer be engaged to:

• Make an initial assessment as to the impartiality of the RCMP Major Crimes Unit team assigned to investigate this incident.
• Monitor progress so as to ensure that any future issues as they relate to the impartiality of the investigation are identified and addressed.

The CPC Observer has completed an assessment as to the impartiality of the investigative team and concludes that there are no identified issues as they relate to questions of impartiality. Accordingly, the engagement of the CPC Observer with respect to this matter is now concluded.

However, the CPC will continue its review of the incident in accordance with the terms of the Chair-initiated complaint initiated on November 20, 2007, to assess:

1. whether the RCMP officers involved in the events of November 19, 2007, from the moment of initial contact until transfer to the care of emergency health personnel, complied with all appropriate policies, procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements for the arrest and treatment of persons taken into custody, and whether such policies, procedures and guidelines are adequate; and
   
   
2. whether the RCMP officers involved in the criminal investigation of the members involved in the events of November 19, 2007 complied with the RCMP policies, procedures, guidelines and statutory requirements for the conduct of such an investigation and whether such policies, procedures and guidelines are adequate, and, further, whether such investigation was carried out in an adequate and timely fashion.

More information on the Independent Observer Pilot Project can be found on the CPC website: www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Nelson Kalil
Manager, Communications
613-952-2452
nelson.kalil@cpc-cpp.gc.ca