Procedural gap didn’t hamper shooting investigation: RCMP

The Saskatchewan RCMP say a procedural gap has been identified in the shooting death of Brydon Whitstone, but they don’t believe it would have affected the investigation into his death.

Whitstone, 22, was fatally shot on Oct. 21, 2017, after a police pursuit with Battlefords RCMP. On Tuesday, RCMP issued a statement indicating the results of the review — aimed at determining whether or not RCMP response, action and conduct was “compliant with the RCMP Act and Regulations” — could be released publicly.

The review found one “procedural gap” around how officers were managed immediately following the shooting. During a recent inquest, Const. Jerry Abbott testified that he saw Whitstone reach for something in his pocket, which he thought was a gun, before he shot Whitstone twice in the chest.

“Our policy calls for those involved to be separated immediately after a critical incident such as this,” the RCMP statement said.

“The internal review determined that Cst. Abbott’s removal and separation from the scene met the requirements of our policy.”

However, the investigation found all of the officers involved came together for an “emotional/well-being” debriefing at the Battlefords RCMP Detachment between 11:40 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2017 and 2 a.m. on Oct. 22, 2017.

However, RCMP believe this did not affect the investigation, as “the evidence in its totality led to the conclusion that our officers acted reasonably and appropriately and in accordance with the Canadian Criminal Code,” the statement said.

One recommendation was contained in the review, indicating “that members and supervisors be retold of the importance of keeping involved members separated and reminded that they are not to discuss events in regards to this type of serious incident.”

RCMP say the recommendation was followed through on Aug. 10, 2018, when a communication about the procedure was distributed to all RCMP officers.

RCMP indicated they have met with the Whitstone family to discuss the review and advise them on the outcome. Whitstone’s family and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations have called for new investigations into the death.