Editor:
I read the recent letter to the editor of Dr. Jeff Shantz of Surrey of Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
With all due respect, he is not a medical doctor or specialized psychiatrist.
While he is a very well educated individual, education often simply is a measure of intelligence.
The IIO does not supersede the Canadian rights of an individual as set out in our Charter.
Of importance is that even the police have rights as to whether they will consent to be interviewed, but as we know silence is golden for virtually every accused.
Dr. Shantz seems confused that police in British Columbia are not from two separate agencies and training cultures. One being the RCMP that are trained at “Depot” in Regina and the municipal police, such as Delta, are trained at the JIBC.
The RCMP are a paramilitary organization and the municipal police tend to be more community sensitive and oriented.
Dr. Shantz, in his letter, does not reflect any knowledge of what is called the Police Witnesses - McNeil Disclosure.
This report is provided to each and every accused charged with a criminal offence and/or their legal counsel.
Its contents indicate if a current IIO investigation is being conducted, conduct currently to be reviewed or No Record.
I saw no mention or knowledge of such in this gentleman’s letter.
After reading this letter, I found it lacking in many informative ways.
Ron Eves, Surrey