MISINFORMATION, DELAYED POLICE RESPONSE CONTRIBUTED TO DEATH: REPORT

Victoria police have concluded that misinformation and a delayed
response contributed to the death of 28-year-old Jonathan Guitard.

On Dec. 13, 2008, Guitard was found by a security guard lying on the
ground in the 800 block of Courtney Street. The guard called the
non-emergency line and stated he need help to move a drug user who
was not responding to him.

The investigation indicates failure by the complaint taker to gather
enough information led to the incorrect classification of the call.
The call was tagged as an "unwanted person" rather than a "man down."
Further questioning would have revealed the urgency of the situation,
changing police's response, states the internal investigation.

A pathologist indicated a number of factors led to Guitard's death,
one of them being hypothermia. But the investigation determined the
actions of the experienced civilian employee did not meet the
threshold of criminal negligence.

The complaint take has since been permanently removed from the
communications centre, stated a press release from the Victoria
Police Department. The department also strengthened its policies
regarding "man down" calls to prevent this situation from
reoccurring, the release stated.

Transcript of call

RD Report Desk.

M Hi from Paladin Security calling.

RD Yeah

M I've got a crack head here at 844 Courtney I need moved. I can't
get him to respond.

RD Okay it's gonna be awhile.

M Yeah. How long?

RD I don't know.

M OK.

RD About an hour.

M Really?

RD Yup.

M . OK, thanks, bye.

END OF CALL