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Policing

‘Appalled’ – the reaction of the National Police Federation to court decision regarding assault of P.G. RCMP officer

Nov 28, 2022 | 10:34 AM

VANCOUVER —The National Police Federation (NPF) says its appalled by a court decision regarding an assault on a Prince George RCMP officer.

The member – a young member in her mid-20s – sustained a serious head injury in the assault which occurred in August of 2021.

She was pursuing a male subject known to police following a retail theft when the suspect hid in a parking lot between two cars and ambushed her.

The officer was struck multiple times in the head though she was still able to successfully arrest him. She hasn’t worked since.

Just last week an Abbotsford judge sentenced the suspect to probation with no curfew or substantial conditions to abide by.

“It is particularly egregious that this court decision – a plea deal in which the subject was given credit for previous jail time on unrelated offenses – sends the message that it is okay for police officers to be attacked and injured while serving their communities with no significant legal repercussions,” says Director for the Pacific/North Region Rob Farrer.

“This decision is a particularly offensive example of the revolving door of BC’s judicial system, and makes a travesty of the protections provided through legislation for police officers who have taken an oath to protect the public, and do so every shift.”

The NPF says this might be a career-ending injury for the officer despite her strong desire to return to work.