We’re already improving prisoner protocols, RCMP says

Supt. Hilton Smee, second in command at RCMP “V” division in Nunavut, speaks to reporters March 15. (PHOTO BY JIM BELL)

The Nunavut RCMP “V” division is already improving the way members and guards handle intoxicated prisoners, commanding officers said March 15 in response to coroner’s jury recommendations issued March 13.

“Our policy speaks at length regarding the physical and mental well-being of persons in our care,” said Supt. Hilton Smee, the Nunavut RCMP’s second-highest ranking officer.

The coroner’s jury, which heard evidence for two days in an inquest called to look into the Dec. 9, 2009 death of Adamie Nutaraluk inside an RCMP jail cell, made three recommendations:

• an “external” review be done to re-assess RCMP policy on intoxicated detainees;

• the RCMP use breathalyzer machines to check the blood alcohol levels of intoxicated prisoners; and,

• RCMP members verbally address intoxicated detainees every hour to check their responsiveness.

Nutaraluk, 56, died of acute alcohol poisoning. A pathology report found the alcohol in his blood measured .420 per cent and, in his urine, measured .553 per cent, levels that can lead to unconsciousness or death.

Nutaraluk’s family was not represented by a lawyer at the inquest, which was held March 12 and March 13 in Iqaluit.

Smee and Chief Superintendent Steve McVarnock said the Iqaluit RCMP handle thousands of prisoners a year, the vast majority of whom are intoxicated upon arrest.

“Many of our prisoners are intoxicated. Close to 80 to 90 per cent of our prisoners here in Iqaluit are here because of their involvement with alcohol. That paints a picture of what we have to deal with all the time,” Smee said.

In 2009, the RCMP held 4,012 prisoners and in 2010, 3,335 prisoners. In 2011, that number was down to 2,909.

But few RCMP prisoners show up with fatal levels of alcohol in their blood, Smee said.

“It’s not that often that our prisoners are as intoxicated as Mr. Nutaraluk,” he said.

To keep an eye on the well-being of intoxicated prisoners, the RCMP in Iqaluit must use guidelines set out in a “rousability” chart that’s part of national RCMP policy.

“The rousability chart is displayed in all of our cell areas. Guards and matrons must look in, check for breathing of intoxicated persons and verbally confirm awareness of prisoner’s surrounding area and of their health,” Smee told reporters.

“Rousability is done at a minimum of every four hours, however it is always assessed on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

Nutaraluk died in a cell located at the old RCMP building near the Astro Hill complex.

But the new RCMP facility on Federal Road incorporates upgrades “recommended by past inquests in Canada,” Smee said.

“Many positive changes have already been implemented in past years prior to this inquest,” he said.

That includes 24-hour digital video cameras to monitor all cells, better training of guards and matrons, and use of the “rousability” protocol.

“Our policy is now the most aggressive in this regard,” Smee said.

Smee said it may be “some time” before the RCMP finishes reviewing the jury recommendations.