From May 2-4, 1997 there were conflicts in the communities of Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Simon over the closure of local schools, after which many complaints were filed against the RCMP with respect to policing actions.

The RCMP Public Complaints Commission issued an interim report of an inquiry into complaints on March 8, 2000. Interim report, No. PC-5710-199801
Available at: http://www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca/epub/Investigation/eStSauveur/eStSauveur.pdf

On January 12, 2001, RCMP Commissioner G. Zaccardelli responded to Ms. Shirley Heafey, Chair of the Complaints Commission.  Available at: http://www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca/eInvestigation.asp

In his letter to Ms. Heafey, the RCMP Commissioner made the following comments with respect to the use of police dogs and inadequate identification of police officers, among many other issues raised by the inquiry:

Dear Ms. Heafey:

I acknowledge receipt of your interim report, No. PC-5710-199801 dated March 28, 2000, as well as supporting documentation relating to complaints filed in the wake of events that took place in the communities of Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Simon, New Brunswick.

On January 3, 2001, I reviewed all the relevant facts of this case, and perused the Commission's findings. The following constitutes my notice pursuant to subsection 45.46(2) of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Following a complete and attentive review of this case, I wish to state my position with respect to the Commission's findings and recommendations:

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With respect to the use of the canine unit, I endorse the Commission's findings and I particularly agree with the finding that the use of dogs in the Saint-Simon arrests was an error. In this connection, the Commission recommends that:

6.the RCMP ensure that a specific directive be included in the Tactical Operations Manual stating that only in exceptional circumstances are police dogs to be in direct contact with demonstrators during rallies and riots;

7.dog handler training policies be reviewed and amended, as required, to ensure that dog handlers are properly trained to intervene in demonstration or riot situations. Special emphasis should be put on the use of police dogs as a defensive rather than offensive weapons. Furthermore, dog handlers must clearly know the rights of  Canadian citizens not to be subjected to threats of corporal punishment or suffering, and must be aware of their responsibility to justify all direct contact between their dog and a citizen.

I endorse these recommendations. The Policy Centre will amend the policy on tactical operations as it relates to dog handlers in order to facilitate joint training with tactical troops. Moreover, a certification course on the use of police service dog teams during demonstrations will be given to dog handlers. The Commanding Officer of "J" Division has indicated that a senior police service dog trainer is already on staff with "J" Division and that he will give orders to this end.
 

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Regarding the absence of badges or distinctive markings identifying the members of the tactical troop squad I endorse the Commission's recommendations that:

16.the policy preventing members of the tactical troop from wearing any distinctive badge or markings for identification purposes be revised immediately. Regardless of their activities, members of the RCMP are always accountable to their superiors and the general public. If a badge were worn, members of arrest/identification teams would be able to identify arresting police officers. Furthermore, individuals who are arrested would know the name of the person who arrested them. Lastly, this means of identification would prevent police officers from acting under the cover of anonymity;

17.all police officers taking part in the deployment of special units during demonstrations (tactical troop, ERT, police service dog team, soft hats, identification team) be identified, and that the operations NCO or his/her subordinate make a list of these officers before deployment of the squad.

As the Commanding Officer of "J" Division has indicated, this is a national issue requiring the input of Clothing and Kit in order to come with "flexible" name or number badges that cannot be used as a weapon nor broken or lost in a brawl. When appropriate badges have been adopted for use, it will be possible to develop a matching system.

Considering the foregoing, I will advise the Policy Centre of the need for amending the Uniform and Dress Manual in such a way as to provide for members of special units to wear a identification badge or other distinctive mark.

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letter signed by G. Zaccardelli, [RCMP?] Commissioner January 12, 2001