POLICE CHIEF URGES MEDIA TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT

Laval's police chief is taking the media to task for coming to their
own conclusions about what happened inside a Brossard home where one
of his officers was gunned down last week.

In an open letter to the media, Jean-Pierre Gariepy said his police
force was surprised by the decision of some outlets to recreate the
series of events inside the house where Constable Daniel Tessier, 42,
was shot dead during a March 2 drug raid.

The Federation of Municipal Police Officers also voiced those
sentiments this week, calling the images of bloodstained walls
tactless and sensationalist.

"At a time when (Tessier's) family and colleagues are in mourning, a
series of assumptions are being presented to the public, as though
they were actual evidence," Gariepy said.

"We consider only qualified professionals - after conducting a
thorough investigation - to be in a position to respond to the
questions raised. These professionals work in a context of
objectivity in order to reach credible, informed findings."

The footage shows the inside of a home owned by Basile Parasiris, 41,
where gunfire was exchanged on March 2.

The video was shot after Surete du Quebec crime scene analysts had
finished their work at the house. The media outlets were reportedly
invited into the home by members of the Parasiris family, although no
one but a reporter appears in the footage.

The reporters attempt to recreate what happened during the
early-morning raid in which Tessier was killed. His partner,
Constable Stephane Forbes, 46, was shot in the arm. Parasiris's wife
was also wounded in the gunfire.

"No journalistic investigation can claim or aspire to reach such
findings," Gariepy said. "I am urging everyone concerned to show
prudence and restraint.

"I am leaving it entirely in the hands of the judiciary to shed light
on the circumstances surrounding the death of our colleague and friend.

"It is my firm conviction that the public will be able to decide
between facts and speculation, while maintaining confidence in its
police officers."

The SQ has said it did not provide the information in the media
footage, as the provincial force does not comment on cases that are
before the courts.

Parasiris faces a charge of first-degree murder and three other
counts, including attempted murder. He is due back in court April 16.