Release from the NB RCMP: Setting the record straight on the Moncton shootings The RCMP investigation into the June 4 murder of three of our officers and the attempted murder of two of our officers is continuing. Neighbourhood canvassing in Moncton North is complete and we thank the public for their patience and cooperation. If anyone still has information and we have not spoken to them, we ask that they contact us. As the investigation continues, there are those coming forward in media interviews offering speculation, innuendo, and rumours as to what took place, along with suggestions about what needs to be done. The RCMP is looking for answers too, but investigations take time. We want to be thorough, and cannot rely on speculation and opinion. We must deal in facts and evidence. The RCMP has been asked by various media outlets to essentially lay out the details of the case. We understand that there is profound interest in this case, as it has touched so many people, and we understand the desire for answers. However, we cannot provide the details of the investigation, for two reasons. One – it’s ongoing. We simply don’t have all the answers yet. The investigation is not complete. Two – to divulge details of the case could jeopardize the impending court case. A man has been charged with three counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. We will not do anything that might compromise that ongoing case or the accused’s right to a fair trial. Some people with no direct connection to the investigation have provided interviews to media, basing their interpretations on personal views, or speculation based on what they have seen in media, or heard third hand. One suggestion has been that our officers in Codiac do not and did not have access to hard body armour. That is simply not true. Hard body armour has been available in Codiac since 2011. Any extra equipment that was brought in from outside Greater Moncton during the search for the shooter was due to the extra police officers brought in. When more police officers are needed, so is more equipment. There have also been suggestions regarding the new C8 patrol carbines. While it is true that all officers do not have training on these yet, it is an ongoing process, and the training and rollout of the C8s is continuing, and that includes in Codiac. With both the hard body armour and the C8s, we cannot divulge how many we have or where they are located, as that could compromise officer and public safety. The New Brunswick RCMP does have these tools and will continue to have access to them. However, that does not mean people can expect to see all officers walking around with hard body armour and carrying rifles at all times. We use a measured approach for all calls. Again, we understand the need for answers, and we are committed to continuing to provide the public with information, when we are in a position to do so but the investigation may take a while to complete. We would ask the public and the media to be patient and not rely on those with no direct connection to the investigation who are offering speculation and opinion. That does nothing to assist the investigation or the families involved. We will conduct a thorough investigation. We will review what happened to determine what took place, and to determine if improvements can be made. That’s how we operate. But we deal in facts and evidence: not opinion, not rumour, and not speculation. The public expects no less of us.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 10:46:25 +0000
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