Quebec police watchdog slammed for 'culture of secrecy'

Nearly a year afterQuebec's bureau of independent investigations (BEI) was established, social activists are calling on the police watchdog to be more transparent.

The bureau was launched last June, after years of delays,to investigate when police are involved in an incident where someone is hurt or killed.

Before that, another police body was appointed to lead those investigations.

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But Alexandre Popovic, spokesperson forthe Coalition Against Repression and Police Abuse, says the public is stillin the dark about how the BEI investigates.

"The BEI seems to have the same culture of secrecy that we have with other police forces," he said, adding there doesn't appear to be anything in its mandate compelling police officers to cooperate with BEI investigators.

In a Tuesday morning news conference,Popovicand other advocatesdemanded the watchdogimplement measures to "address the remaining gaps in the police investigation process."

One of the key changes they would to see is for the BEI topublish the findings of its investigations.

"We're worried these investigations don't meet the standard of independence and impartiality we've been asking for," said NicoleFilion, co-ordinator of theLiguedesdroitsetliberts, a human rights group.

The investigation bureau is made up of former police officers andcivilians with relevant backgrounds like criminology and law, but Popovicsayscivilians should be leading the investigations.

"Everyonepolice, theBEI, victimsand the publiceveryone wins with more transparency," he said.

The BEI responded with a statement from its director Madeleine GiauqueTuesday afternoon, saying "apolice investigation report is not of a public nature."

"There is an obligation to protect sensitive informationand all the elements that would helpreveal the identity of the persons involved or witnesses, both civilians and police officers," the release said.

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