The March 7, 2022, arrest of a male by a Rocky Mountain House RCMP officer has been the subject of a video and public commentary on social media.
On March 7, 2022, at 6 p.m., Rocky Mountain House RCMP received a complaint from a local business located in the 5100 block of 46 Street of a male impeding traffic by walking in front of vehicles. Police then received an additional call of this male having entered this business and acting violently towards customers and staff. A Rocky Mountain House RCMP officer attended to assist.
Upon arriving, the RCMP officer located the individual who was found to be acting erratically. The officer intercepted the male as he was walking towards a busy grocery store nearby and advised the male he was under arrest. During the interaction, the officer drew a conducted energy weapon, and after additional verbal commands the male followed directions, was arrested, and placed in the police vehicle.
The Alberta RCMP are conducting an internal review of this matter.
"Every police interaction with the public that necessitates the use of force in any manner is taken seriously" said S/Sgt. Carl Dinsdale. "We are reviewing this matter thoroughly to ensure we are applying the proper policy, procedures, tactics, and law when it comes to these interactions. In doing so, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the best police service possible to the citizens of the Rocky Mountain House detachment area."
The Alberta RCMP believes in processes that seek the facts, and it's important that processes taken to assess the actions of all those involved, including the police, are fair, transparent, and defendable. Alberta RCMP training, policy, police response, and the member's duty status will be subject to review.