Officers arrested in Cuba may have to stay much longer

Two Lower Mainland police officers detained while vacationing in Cuba could be forced to spend much longer than they planned on the Caribbean island as their case is investigated by authorities.

On its website, Global Affairs Canada warns travellers that 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 that one of their officers was arrested and released during a vacation in Cuba. 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-yearold 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, also chair of the Port Moody police board.

Benjamin Perrin, a University of B.C. law professor, said people need to be aware that when travelling abroad they are subject to the laws of whatever country they are in.

“There’s very little the Canadian government can do,” he said.

If arrested, Canadians get support from the Canadian embassy. It helps them contact family, explains the local legal process and advocate for fair treatment under local laws. In most cases, ministerial-level support is only offered when there are human rights concerns.

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 conduct standards outlined in the Police Act, no matter where they are in the world.

“Municipal police in British Columbia are accountable for their actions, whether they are in Canada or any other country in the world,” said Woods.