RCMP Under Fire: Transparency Demands Surge After Allegations of Excessive Force Against Tłı̨chǫ Woman

The RCMP, in a move that could rock the boat of public trust, is now re-evaluating its decision to keep mum regarding whether two officers from the N.W.T. faced an internal investigation for their alleged excessive use of force against a Tłı̨chǫ woman. This shift comes after mounting pressure and a stern recommendation from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC)—an independent body that advocates for transparency in policing.

Two officers in the Yellowknife detachment—Const. Francessca Bechard and Cpl. Jason Archer—had a brush with the law themselves back in 2020 after an altercation with Tracella Romie. An incident at a local liquor store led to her arrest under contentious circumstances, which escalated significantly once she arrived at the detachment. Video evidence reportedly shows Const. Bechard delivering a punch to Romie—a moment that should have triggered a quick internal review, or at least some serious soul-searching within the force.

However, despite initial charges being leveled against the officers, those were eventually stayed, leaving many questioning what, if anything, the RCMP has done in response. Tom Engel, chair of the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association’s policing committee, has voiced concerns over the RCMP’s silence, arguing fervently that “Whenever a police officer uses force, that’s a matter of public interest—and I would think that would be obvious to most Canadians.”

Engel’s calls for more transparency have not fallen on deaf ears, but the initial response from the former RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki was anything but satisfying. She claimed the situation was a “private matter,” invoking a section of the Privacy Act to justify the lack of disclosure. It was a standard line that many public institutions fall back on, but the CRCC didn’t let it rest. They agreed with Engel, stating that the inquiry into potential misconduct by police officers is inherently a matter of public interest.

With the crux of the issue laid bare, new RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has indicated a willingness to reconsider. He acknowledged that the rationale behind the previous decision to keep the information under wraps was insufficient and left many feeling in the dark. As Duheme noted, “There should have been more justification of the decision not to disclose whether there’s been an investigation,” emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability.

What’s particularly telling is the acknowledgment that the RCMP has the discretion to disclose or withhold information—it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Engel’s position remains steadfast: “I’m not saying that we’re looking for a particular outcome of an investigation. We just want to know, was there an investigation?” His request is as reasonable as it is necessary.

The implications of this case extend beyond the two officers involved. It raises questions about systemic practices within the RCMP and the broader issue of police accountability in Canada. While some conduct hearings are open to public scrutiny, the inconsistency in the RCMP’s approach to these matters—some deemed private, some public—needs to be scrutinized. Why the disparity? Transparency is the cornerstone of trust in any public service, especially when the actions of those sworn to protect the public come under question.

As this narrative unfolds, one thing is apparent: the conversation around policing practices in Canada is far from over. The potential for an internal investigation could either pave the way for much-needed reform or reinforce old habits that allow misconduct to slip through the cracks. The stakes are high, and the public deserves answers.