Status Report

CPC/RCMP Independent Observer Pilot Project Engaged
Vancouver International Airport In-Custody Death, Conducted Energy Weapon Deployed

It is reported that on October 14, 2007 four Richmond RCMP members responded to a complaint of a male acting erratically at the Vancouver International Airport. While attempting to subdue and arrest the individual, later identified as Mr. Robert Dziekanski, the members deployed the conducted energy weapon (Taser). Shortly after being taken into custody Mr. Dziekanski went unconscious. Emergency services personnel attended; however, Mr. Dziekanski died at the scene. The RCMP assigned an Integrated Homicide Investigation Team to investigate the incident.

Based on information received, the CPC Chair, on October 15, 2007, requested that the CPC Observer be engaged to:

• Make an initial assessment as to the impartiality of the RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation 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 initial assessment as to the impartiality of the investigative team and concludes that there are currently no issues as they relate to questions of impartiality. The CPC Observer continues to monitor the investigation.

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