In response to the report from the Saskatchewan Public Complaint Commission about the death of thirteen-month-old Tanner Brass, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations renews its calls for a Coroner’s Inquest, immediate intervention from the Ministry of Corrections and Public Safety of the Prince Albert Police Service, and more accountability for all of those involved. The FSIN wants the two officers held criminally accountable in the boy’s death.
The PCC’s report found there was a neglect of duty for two Prince Albert Police officers who responded to a domestic dispute call in February of last year. Thirteen-month-old Tanner Brass was left with his father while his mother, Kyla Frenchman, who said she had been assaulted by Kaij Brass, was trying to flee, but with no rooms available at any shelters, she was taken to police detention, as she had agreed to do.
Tanner was later found dead and his father is charged with second degree murder. The report said neither officer checked on the well-being of the boy before leaving the home.
In an open letter announcing his retirement, Prince’s Albert’s Police Chief, Jonathan Bergen, said the PCC referred the review to the Public Prosecutions and it was determined no criminal charges were appropriate.
Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has issued a statement:
The Public Complaints Commission provides a valuable service to the people of Saskatchewan and helps ensure that our municipal police services remain accountable. I thank the commission for its work and offer my deepest sympathies to the family of Tanner Brass. This situation was tragic and the details now released highlight the need for immediate change within the Prince Albert Police Service.
I am confident that the new interim Chief of Police will begin the process of change that is necessary.
I look forward to the continued cooperation of the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners as they move forward during this challenging time and as we prepare for release of the Prince Albert Police Service Special Inquiry final report in the coming weeks.
