Written by Frank Peebles
Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 04 November 2009 |
Cheryl Ann Bouey
The jury, made up of three men and two women, made 10 suggestions.
They were:
- Increase the number of jail guards at typically busy times;
- Amend the RCMP operations manual to specifically list things that should be searched for when those in custody are placed in cells: draw strings in pants, belts, bras, shoelaces, jewelry, etc.
- Equip guards with working radios at all times;
- Upgrade surveillance monitors to larger, anti-glare, flat screens;
- Install cameras in the guard room;
- Upgrade cell doors to Plexiglas or Lexan coverings instead of steal mesh/bars. They should be upgraded now at the current detachment, and be designed into the new detachment when built. Furthermore, two guards should be on duty until all is
accomplished;
- Review formal policies for guards;
- Examine related policies and
procedures for contradictions and inconsistencies;
- Improve the layout of the cells and guard rooms;
- Build a new RCMP detachment.
The jury heard the evidence presented over three days of testimony at the coroner’s inquest into the death of Cheryl Ann Bouey, 42.
It concluded that Bouey died as a result of suicide carried out by hanging herself in a Prince George RCMP cell on June 26, 2008 between the hours of 2:17 a.m. and 2:22 a.m.
After about three hours of deliberation, the jury came back with that verdict, along with the 10 recommendations for going forward.
The jury’s recommendations are, by mandate, to aid in the prevention of future deaths.
A new RCMP detachment, planned for Fourth Avenue and Victoria Street, has been big on the municipal capital plan for a number of years.
Some consideration has been publicized about the high cost of constructing such a building, with all its specialized security and technology features,.
The verdict from the coroner’s jury was announced late Wednesday afternoon. Attempts to contact Mayor Dan Rogers, city manager Derek Bates and Prince George RCMP Supt. Brenda Butterworth-Carr were unsuccessful prior to deadline.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 04 November 2009 )
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