RCMP Unveil Internal Review of Response to James Smith Cree Nation Stabbings
An internal review has concluded that there was no “common underlying circumstance” that significantly hampered the RCMP’s ability to respond to the James Smith Cree Nation stabbing massacre.
The 110-page document scrutinizes the RCMP’s response to the September 2022 incident, where 11 people were killed and 17 injured across multiple locations in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, Saskatchewan.
The report covers various aspects, including the initial call for service, command structures, public alerts, and the response to victims.
While the review largely praises the RCMP’s approach, it makes 36 recommendations for improving responses to “future, similar situations.”
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, the officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP, endorsed the recommendations during a news conference on Thursday.
“We always welcome the opportunity to learn, adapt processes and make improvements where necessary to help ensure we’re able to provide the best service possible,” she said.
Blackmore said that in her opinion, the RCMP’s response on Sept. 4, 2022, was “nothing short of outstanding.”
One inquest focused on the circumstances of the victims’ deaths at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, as well as potential measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The other inquest investigated the in-custody death of Myles Sanderson, the perpetrator of the stabbing rampage.
These inquests led to several recommendations for the RCMP, with their written responses now available online.
The review was largely completed at that time and therefore does not incorporate details from the coroner’s inquests.
The report released on Thursday highlights that the Mounties’ initial response was deemed appropriate.
Constables Tanner Maynard and Dave Miller were dispatched following the initial 911 call. Miller, who was on call, took nine minutes to arrive at the Melfort detachment and then depart with Maynard in the same police vehicle. The review found this to be the only delay in response and considered it reasonable.
Initially, the officers were informed of a single stabbing, with the suspects having left the scene. Due to the nature of the call, it was necessary for Maynard to have backup. As they traveled to James Smith Cree Nation, the officers received updates about additional crime scenes and alleged victims.
Upon arrival at the first of what would eventually be 40 crime scenes, Maynard and Miller separated. Maynard moved on to another crime scene while Miller stayed behind to provide first aid. The report criticizes this decision, despite describing their actions as commendable.
The review noted that separating put the officers at a tactical disadvantage, as they had only one vehicle and were approximately 12 kilometers apart. This situation meant neither officer could back up the other if needed. Additionally, poor portable radio reception in the James Smith Cree Nation area might have hindered their ability to easily contact each other.
The report recommended clarifying whether officers should travel together or separately, noting the absence of a national policy or guidance at the time of the James Smith Cree Nation stabbings.
Consequently, the first recommendation in the review is the development of such a policy.
In response, the Saskatchewan RCMP have implemented a divisional policy requiring each detachment to conduct a risk assessment to determine the viability of two-person or one-person patrol vehicles for each shift.
It remains unclear whether a national policy has been developed.
