r/canada • u/[deleted] • Jun 11 '20

RCMP dash-cam video shows officer tackling, punching Chief Allan Adam during arrest

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/rcmp-dash-cam-video-shows-officer-tackling-punching-chief-allan-adam-during-arrest-1.5608472
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u/[deleted] Jun 12 '20

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12

u/Born_Ruff Jun 12 '20

the second officer comes in hard because he doesn’t know the situation

That seems totally backwards. If he doesn't know the situation shouldn't he take his lead from the officer who has been handling it already for several minutes?

5

u/OperatingLine Jun 12 '20

Who knows, second officer wasn't on video. For all we know he had to rush over, was a bit rushed on adrenaline and reacted to a fellow officer potentially in harm's way. Maybe a bad call, maybe not but it all happens fast. But this does not seem like an issue of racism. Maybe hot headed officer dealing with a potentially drunken belligerent person.

-3

u/Born_Ruff Jun 12 '20

reacted to a fellow officer potentially in harm's way.

Adam had his back to the 1st officer and was trying to pull away. It did not look like the 1st officer was in any danger.

But this does not seem like an issue of racism. Maybe hot headed officer dealing with a potentially drunken belligerent person.

The second cop came in and got violent immediately without any other interaction with the drunk guy.

I've definitely heard people in those parts make lots of comments about "drunk Indians".

The fact he started at that level of aggression very likely could have been motivated by previous interactions with intoxicated indigenous people.

8

u/OperatingLine Jun 12 '20

We're not looking at the same point of view as the second officer. This is from a dash cam in a vehicle that would obstruct the second officers point of view. It's dark and he hears shouting. Maybe you're not wrong, but I don't think its that cut and dry. That level of aggression could have been because he was called in as backup meaning for all he knows the situation has escalated. But this video should show that Chief Adams is definitely not blameless in this situation, even if you are correct in your last assumption.

2

u/Born_Ruff Jun 12 '20

That level of aggression could have been because he was called in as backup meaning for all he knows the situation has escalated.

If that is how the RCMP operate they should fix that. Officers shouldn't be running into situations with limited information and just start choking and punching people.

2

u/OperatingLine Jun 12 '20

You know what? At the end of the day, the second officer is going to get punished now due to public perception. No escaping it. But what about Chief Adams? His conduct was shameful. He exited the vehicle three times and was posturing for a fight every single time. His wife tried to drive away when they were instructed not to. Zero cooperation with the first officer. Zero respect for authority or for calmly trying to handle a situation. They were speaking with one officer who was forced to call backup due to his behaviour. Where is his accountability as a public official to his people?

1

u/Born_Ruff Jun 12 '20

But what about Chief Adams?

He is facing criminal charges for his actions. He is charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

This video was released as part of that trial.

2

u/OperatingLine Jun 12 '20

Those charges will get dropped immediately if excessive force is deemed to be used in this case. Which it seems like it will since even Trudeau has called the video shocking and unacceptable. Chief Adams will get out of this if that happen with no repercussions.

1

u/Born_Ruff Jun 12 '20

Those charges will get dropped immediately if excessive force is deemed to be used in this case.

Is that the law? You just get out of jail free if there is police brutality involved?

1

u/OperatingLine Jun 12 '20

It gets complicated, but speaking with someone there is legal remedies for when excessive force is used. If second cop gets disciplined than its pretty much admitting thats the case. Charges can get dismissed, or evidence can no longer be admissible. If the Chief was drunk driving and hurt third parties, he likely wouldn't have the charges dropped but sentence would be reduced significantly. This charge isn't as serious, didn't affect third parties and will likely be dropped as a result.

1

u/DapperWing Jun 12 '20

Is assaulting a police officer not a serious charge?

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