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RCMP civilian complaints body investigating arrest of autistic teen in October
November 29, 2022 By The Canadian Press
Nov. 29, 2022, St. Albert, Alta. – The civilian complaints commission for the RCMP has begun an investigation into the arrest of a 16-year-old autistic boy in Alberta earlier this year.
The teen was arrested at a playground in St. Albert, just northwest of Edmonton, in early October after police received 911 calls about an individual who was displaying erratic behaviour or was possibly impaired.
A number of officers arrested the boy, who is non-verbal and who attempted to harm himself while in custody.
Michelaine Lahaie, who chairs the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, has initiated a complaint regarding his arrest and detention.
She says the investigation will examine officers’ response to the call and if proper supervision was provided in light of his condition as required under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Lahaie says it will also examine if reasonable steps were taken to prevent the boy from self-harming and if training is provided to members on recognizing and interacting with neurodiverse people.
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