Live updates from New Brunswick Police Act review shut down

Transparencytook a backseat during the first day of the Department of PublicSafety'sreview of the 31 proposed reforms to the New Brunswick Police Act.

The proposed reformswerebrought forward by theNewBrunswickPoliceCommission, who had argued for thediscussionsto be open to the public and media, but the province opted to make them closed.

The policecommissionvowed to live-tweet the proceedings on Wednesday morning, but after seven tweets the account went silent shortly after 8:30 a.m.

"The Department of Public Safety monitors all media releases," said PoliceCommissionChairRonald Cormier. "So we'll let the department of public safety do their work in terms of communications in all this."

When asked why the promisedupdates via social media stopped,Cormier pointed again at thegovernment.

"Well you would have to ask the Department of Public Safety, they are in charge of the whole process not thecommission," said Cormier."We are there as a participant."

Elaine Bell, communications officer for theDepartmentof PublicSafety, stated there would be an update on the proceedings, but not until the end of the week.

"Simply put, we'veagreedthis is a private session, and we'll keepthediscussionswithinthe meetingtomake sure weare going through the proper procedures," said Bell. "We're hoping for some good, robust discussions to come out of this."

According to Cormier the last time the Police Act was updated was in 2008.

"It needs to bemodernized," said Cormier. "Our role is to protect publicinterestsin this. We hope thatamendmentsare made. We're open to discussion, andcollaboratingfully with all stakeholders.We hope that it will be resolved in apositivemanner."

The proposal to suspend officers without pay while they are being investigated may be among the issuesup for discussionduring the forum. Currently officers must be paid while suspended.