Local police officers being detained in Cuba
Two Lower Mainland police officers detained while vacationing in Cuba could be forced to spend much longer than they planned on the Caribbean island.
On its website, Global Affairs Canada warns travellers Cuban police do not lay charges until an investigation is complete.
“Canadians who have been arrested, even for a minor incident, should expect long delays to resolve their cases and may not be allowed to leave the country. “
The Vancouver and Port Moody police departments each confirmed one of their officers was taken arrested and released during a personal vacation. No charges were laid.
Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay said his police department has been in touch with the Port Moody officer’s family and was told both officers had their passports confiscated “a few weeks ago.”
They were arrested after an allegation of assault against the Vancouver officer involving a 17-year-old woman from Ontario. The Port Moody officer is considered an important witness, said Clay.
“Unfortunately, what we’re told is that investigations move quite slowly, and in fact, we’ve been told that it could be up to 60 days before he might be allowed to leave the country,” said the mayor, who chairs the Port Moody police board.
Benjamin Perrin, a University of B.C. law professor, said people need to be aware they are subject to the laws of the country they are in.
“There’s very little the Canadian government can do,” he said.
When someone is arrested, they get support from the Canadian embassy in contacting family, explaining the local legal process and advocate for fair treatment under local laws.
B.C.’s deputy police complaint commissioner, Rollie Woods, said the commission will determine whether to launch an investigation into the current case once it has more information, noting officers are bound by professional conduct standards outlined in the Police Act, no matter where they are in the world.