Dawson Family Reacts to Ruling of No Inquiry
October 2, 2001
MEDIA ADVISORY

Justice Denied

Anthany Dawson’s family have been denied the right to have their questions answered.

Don Morrison, Police Complaint Commissioner issued his decision in a letter dated October 1, 2001.

“We had actually believed that the system would show some integrity and address the issue of police violence and racism at a public level such as a Public Inquiry announced Yvon Gesinghaus, spokesperson for Anthany’s family.

“When eight witnesses inform the inquest jurors that they seen Anthany punched, and Constable Sheldon denies this….the average Canadian would expect this issue to be taken more seriously.”

Yvon went on to say,“When witnesses testify that this is what happened and the policeman denies this, you have to know that something is dreadfully wrong.

At the inquest we were told that a public inquiry would address our questions. Today, we have been denied the opportunity to have that public inquiry and now our questions will not be answered. It is truly a sad day for people of color and all minorities.”

It is heartwrenching to realize that the supposed justice system will once again issue their standard statement of no racism in their line of work and again, sweep the whole issue “under the carpet”.

This issue of racism and excessive police violence must be recognized and addressed before more people are exposed to this type of treatment.”

“Anthany’s family will not slip away into oblivion, we will ensure that our questions are answered and that employees of an organization do not have the right to use excessive force simply because of their uniform.” stated Yvon.

As the Police Complaint Commissioner, in his attempt to save face with the police, has saw fit to deny a Public Inquiry, the family of Anthany Dawson have no choice but to file a civil suit.

October 2, 2001
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHERE IS JUSTICE?

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs are shocked to hear the rationale that Police Complaint Commissioner Don Morrison cites in his decision not to hold a Public Inquiry.

Mr. Morrison states that “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…”

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs point out that eight witnesses had seen Anthany punched by the police and the police deny punching Anthany. This to us, is an arguable flaw.

Sgt Farrell of the RCMP claimed to have carried out an independent investigation of the Victoria City Police and the circumstances surrounding Anthany’s death. In his report Sgt. Farrell states that he conducted a thorough investigation and there was no wrong doing by the Victoria Police.

The Jurors at Anthany’s Inquest were later told that each policeman involved refused to be interviewed by Sgt.Farrell.

How can you conduct a thorough investigation while being denied the right to interview the police that were directly involved? This to us, is an arguable flaw.

It is a sad day for Natives to hear once again, the motherhood statements that are constantly issued: That there is no wrongdoing, excessive force, or racism within their police force. Police workers are human and some humans have strong racist theories.

To deny this is to suppress the opportunity of addressing and repairing this serious flaw.

The media advisory states that the Victoria Police Department has agreed to give a complete briefing on their results with the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, but they have not contacted the tribal council. Is this good faith?

Again, we must ask for our questions to be answered …

Why Did Anthany Die?

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.