POLICE PROBING PANNED

Media Intrusion Went Too Far, Says Commission Report

New Westminster cops crossed the line when they clamped down on crack
dealers along Columbia Street.

A report Friday by the Police Complaints Commission faulted police
handling of searches and media relations.

Investigators found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.

But two Royal City cops face possible disciplinary action for allowing
TV cameras to film suspects during a search.

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association filed the complaint after
watching a CBC-TV item on the crackdown on street-level dealers last
November.

It was concerned about police use of chokeholds on suspects in drug
"take-downs."

The association also took issue with police entering homes without
search warrants and failing to protect people's privacy from the TV
cameras.

The report, which was done by Delta police, found that police did not
use chokeholds, but instead used a "throat-hold" on suspects, which
was acceptable.

On searches, the report was critical of police for using two health
inspectors to enter people's homes without warrants.

It found that police also failed to protect the privacy of people, but
obscured the faces of undercover officers while TV cameras rolled.

There was no evidence that police explained why the media were present
to the residents or that it got consent to allow TV crew inside.

While the BCCLA objected to police giving voluntary cab rides to
suspects out of the city, investigators could not find anyone to back
up its claim.

The report calls for more police training in a number of
areas.

New West police have since changed their policies in searches, media
relations and the use of force. Police must now get informed consent
before they can enter a residence.

Chief Constable Peter Young said the report vindicated his
officers.

BCCLA spokesman Murray Mollard said such incidents shouldn't happen
again.

"These changes, if fully implemented and followed, should prevent a
recurrence of the problems documented by the cameras," he said.

The full report can be read at ( http://www.opcc.bc.ca/ ).