July 15, 2015
OTTAWA – Yesterday’s decision by the Criminal Justice Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Justice to end the misguided prosecution of Constable Jordan MacWilliams related to an on- duty incident which took place in ] 2012, was welcomed by Canada’s front-line police community.
“There’s no question I’m relieved, most importantly for Constable MacWilliams, his family and his colleagues,” said Tom Stamatakis, President of the Canadian Police Association. “This prosecution should have never gotten this far, and there is no doubt this raises some serious questions about the completeness of the initial investigation conducted by British Columbia’s Independent Investigations Office.”
On November 8, 2012, an armed and obviously agitated suspect had taken a female hostage outside the Starlight Casino, in New Westminster, when police responded, leading to an approximately five-hour standoff between law enforcement and the suspect. It was only through the actions of Constable MacWilliams and his colleagues that the female hostage was rescued, after the gunman had fired shots at the woman’s car.
“It is important to remember that no officer begins their shift wanting to use deadly force, and even when done in the completely lawful execution of duty, the fact is that a life was lost,” said Mr. Stamatakis. “However, in pursuing a murder charge in this context, all that was accomplished was an attempt to ruin a second life, Constable MacWilliams’, who should instead be recognized for the actions he took that day to ensure more bystanders weren’t hurt.”
“Civilian oversight plays an important role in our policing system, ensuring that officers act with the utmost of professionalism and dedication, however independent oversight must also be fair and balanced. Investigations, must be held to the same standard as that which is expected of all police-led investigations. This case leaves me wondering if the balance hasn’t tipped too far, and whether our officers can have confidence in this system. I am grateful though that the Crown took the time to thoroughly and independently examine the evidence.”
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For additional information:
Michael Gendron
Communications Officer, Canadian Police Association 613-299-6516
