Drunk tank outdated, no assure of well being and security: B.C. watchdog

The top of British Columbia’s police watchdog says caring for intoxicated prisoners is a health-care difficulty and shouldn’t be a police accountability.

A report launched by Ronald J. MacDonald, the chief civilian director of the Unbiased Investigations Workplace, says holding those that are intoxicated in jail cells is outdated and presents no assure of their security and well being.

The report got here after a person in Williams Lake, B.C., who was considered affected by alcohol or drug withdrawal, had a “life-threatening well being disaster” in RCMP cells final yr.

The unidentified man was arrested on Nov. 13, started vomiting about 24 hours later, then was discovered struggling to breathe and was rushed to hospital.

The report says the RCMP’s name for assist was truly “optimum” for the person as a result of his signs had been critical sufficient that he was hospitalized, however any later would have elevated his danger of loss of life.

MacDonald says the officers didn’t commit any offences in the best way they handled the person however he has issues about how intoxicated prisoners are housed within the province.

“Too many individuals die in police custody, typically by means of no fault of the police. The care of intoxicated individuals shouldn’t be a police accountability,” MacDonald’s report concludes.

“It’s a well being care difficulty. It’s time for presidency to take steps to facilitate the adjustments vital to make sure intoxicated individuals who want care obtain it from educated well being care professionals.”

Police