The two Prince Albert Police officers who responded to a report of a domestic dispute, where a 13 month old boy, Tanner Brass, was later found dead in that same home, have been suspended from active duty pending the results of an independent investigation from the Public Complaints Commission.
A news release from the Prince Albert Police Service says, amid recent calls from Indigenous leaders for the police service and those involved to be held immediately accountable, Chief Jonathan Bergen has publicly indicated that an investigation into the police response by the PCC was requested. Bergen had previously indicated that next steps would be taken by the Police Service once he received further information from the PCC, and that happened on Wednesday. The PCC confirmed to Chief Bergen the scope of the investigation, which will include a full investigation of the nature and implications of the response undertaken by the two officers. Based on that, Bergen suspended the officers.
Bergen says, further decisions will be based on the facts and evidence from the PCC investigation.
Deputy Chief of Police, Farica Prince is the liaison for the Police Service coordinating discussion with local Indigenous officials. The Deputy Chief says, Our police administration is strongly resolved with our Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners to continue a constructive and meaningful dialogue on these issues with Indigenous leadership local to our community.”
Early in the morning on February 10th officers responded to a domestic dispute and Kyla Frenchman was taken into custody. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says from its investigation, officers assumed she was drunk, and her pleas for help for her and her baby were ignored. It’s alleged that a few hours later, the Police Service received a call from the father saying the baby was dead. Kaij Brass has been charged with second degree murder.
The Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners reported previously that following the tragedy, Chief Bergen immediately called the Board together to discuss a structure change within the Prince Albert Police Service. That led to a new position, an inspector to oversee the patrol section. Before, there was just one inspector responsible for many sectors.
