The Public Complaints Commission has found in its review of the death of 13-month-old Tanner Brass that there was neglect of duty by Prince Albert Police officers. On February 10th last year, Tanner’s mother called 911 asking for help saying the boy’s father, Kaij (cage) Brass was intoxicated and had assaulted her. Kyla Frenchman told the 911 operator that her son was in the home and that his father hits him.

When officers arrived, she told them that the boy’s father had pushed her down the steps and he was intoxicated. Frenchman was asked if anyone was hurt and she said no. She just wanted to get her child and wait for a ride coming from La Ronge, but officers said it was too cold to wait that long so they knocked on the door but Brass refused to open it. Frenchman said no to officers pursuing an assault investigation.

She had nowhere to go, so the officers asked if she wanted to spend a few hours at the detention centre and she said yes. Officers said they believed the boy would be safe with his dad. It was previously reported that Frenchman repeatedly tried to tell police that her son was in danger, but the cellblock audio and video does not substantiate that. Tanner Brass was later found dead in the home.

The review says the circumstances amount to a tragic and potentially avoidable incident. It was noted that Frenchman was outside the home with the officers for 13 minutes and neither officer attempted to check on the boy’s well-being. The Public Complaints Commission has submitted its findings to the Prince Albert Police Chief to impose appropriate discipline.

Here is the complete report:  PCC Public Report