Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) yesterday said its officers have been cleared of misconduct charges in the apprehension of a black teen over a year ago.
“Due to calls and inquiries from our community in relation to a video circulating, the DRPS is releasing an update to clarify the outcome,” said a police media statement.
“The incident was from May 2019 when officers responded to a call regarding a distraught male possibly armed with a knife. Officers eventually were able to apprehend the male and he was not physically injured. The matter was forwarded to an independent civilian oversight body (OIPRD) for an investigation by the complainant’s legal counsel. The OIPRD fully investigated the matter and found that the alleged misconduct on the part of our officers was not substantiated and that the officers followed proper protocol,” said the statement.
On June 3, 2019, DRPS issued a statement after numerous media calls relating to the video.
“On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at approximately 3:30 p.m., members of Central West Division were dispatched to a call regarding a distraught male possibly armed with a knife. Officers located the 16-year-old male walking with friends in a residential area by Cathedral Drive and Brookstream Court in Whitby,” the 2019 statement had said.
“The teen had existing cuts to his hand and was un-cooperative with officers, who tried to talk to him. The officers, while attempting to apprehend him, brought him to the ground and tried to handcuff the male. Several punches were used to gain compliance of the male, who refused to make his hands available. The male was eventually placed into custody and was not injured,” the statement said.
“A copy of the video and the officer’s Use of Force report will be forwarded to the training branch and to the Professional Standards Unit for review. The officers involved are not under investigation and the officers followed proper protocol based on the information provided,” it added.
[Graphic content in below video courtesy stoxxtv]
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Ajax mayor calls George Floyd death “senseless”
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier has come out strongly on anti-Black racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
“It has been a week since the tragic and senseless murder of George Floyd. His death has sparked world-wide protests against institutionalized and societal anti-Black racism,” he said.
“As an organization committed to supporting our racialized communities, the death of Mr. Floyd reminds us yet again we have a lot of work to do in addressing anti-Black racism.
“To the Black community in Ajax, I wanted to share that we stand with you in your calls for justice and systematic changes, and our hearts go out to everyone grieving and hurting now,” said Mayor \Collier.
“The town has a long standing history of leading difficult conversations, standing up for what is right and committing to concrete actions. Recent events tell us we can do better and we can do more,”he said adding: “Ajax Council remains committed to being a part of the solution to eliminate racism and bigotry.”
Whitby condemns racism in any form
Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell and Councillor Maleeha Shahid, on behalf of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC), have condemned racism in any form.
“As we reflect on recent events, we stand strong against anti-black, anti-indigenous and any form of racism. It has no place in our community or anywhere in the world. As a council, we continue to work with DIAC and other members of our community to support a safe and inclusive town for all,” said Mayor Don Mitchell.
“The month of June marks Pride Month, National Indigenous History Month and Black Music Month. While we still have work to do in overcoming racial injustice and intolerance, we are reminded that now is the time to recognize, celebrate, and embrace our differences. DIAC continues to work with Council to support our community in fostering a safe and inclusive town for all, by listening and coming together we can all be the catalyst for change,” said Councillor Maleeha Shahid, Mayor’s designate on the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.