On June 1, 2020 at approximately 11:30 p.m., members of the public pointed out to a Kinngait RCMP officer an intoxicated male who was reported to be fighting with others. The male was located near a residence and arrested by officers and checked over by medical staff while in cells. A video of the arrest was captured by a member of the community.
This morning, the Commanding Officer of the V Division RCMP, Chief Superintendent Amanda Jones became aware of the video after it was posted on social media. The contents of the video gave rise to the concern of the actions of the officer in conducting the arrest. Immediately following the viewing of the video, the Commanding Officer ordered an independent external statutory investigation and an internal investigation into the actions of the officer.
While these investigations are being conducted, the officer will be removed from the community and placed on administrative duties. "The RCMP takes the conduct of our officers seriously and want to assure the public we have confidence in the process of the external investigation to determine the circumstances of the event and whether criminal charges should be sworn against the officer. As the matter is now subject of an external criminal investigation and an internal conduct investigation, we cannot comment any further at this time." said, Cpl. Jamie Savikataaq.