Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner
British Columbia, Canada


For Immediate Release
October 2, 2001

NO PUBLIC HEARING INTO POLICE CONDUCT IN DAWSON DEATH

VANCOUVER - B.C. police complaint commissioner Don Morrison has decided
against holding a public hearing into a complaint that Victoria police used
excessive force on Anthany Dawson before he died.

After reviewing investigations by the RCMP and Victoria police, as well as
testimony given at the inquest, Morrison concluded: "There was no arguable
flaw in the police investigation, and the force used by the police was not
excessive. All witnesses have already given evidence under oath. A public
hearing in this matter will not serve the public interest."

Dawson was a well-known First Nations artist. He was subdued by police
during an incident in Victoria and taken to hospital by ambulance in the
care of trained emergency attendants. A coroner's jury determined Dawson's
death was accidental.

The Victoria Police Department has agreed to give a complete briefing on
the results of the department's internal investigation and the RCMP
investigation to the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk tribal council and the First
Nations Summit Task Group. Bill Summersgill from the Office of the Police
Complaint Commissioner has been assigned to monitor the briefing.

In addition to the briefing, the Victoria Police Department's full
investigation report and the commissioner's reasons have been posted on the
Internet. "This will allow the public to see the report and satisfy
themselves that a complete and professional investigation was conducted,"
said Morrison. "This, along with the publicly conducted coroner's inquest,
will maintain public confidence in the police and the complaint process."

The published documents are available online at www.opcc.bc.ca or from the
Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner at Suite 900 - 1111 Melville
St., Vancouver V6E 3V6.

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This news release is at www.opcc.bc.ca online.

Contact:

Barbara Murphy
Deputy Police Complaint Commissioner
604 660-2385

For More on the Anthany Dawson Story see
http://www.turtleisland.org/news/news-anthany4.htm
Turtle Island Native Network
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