Bernard Naulalik relieved alleged RCMP assault to be investigated

An Iqaluit man allegedly hit by an RCMP officer in a holding cell last July says he's relieved there will be an independent investigation.

"I just hope they're investigated and do what they have to do to do the right thing," says Bernard Naulalik, 24. "Make sure those officers are fully investigated."

• Iqaluit RCMP order review into 2nd jail cell use of force incident
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Naulalik filed a complaint against an officer last month alleging excessive force and public mischief.

Surveillance video of an RCMP holding cell taken last July, and released publicly this week, shows Naulalik lying face down in the cell when an officer enters and starts searching him around his waist.

Naulalik pushes the officer away, then a scuffle ensues as the officer tries to pin Naulalik down.

For a moment, the prisoner has the officer backed into the corner.

A second officer enters the cell and suddenly, the first officer is seen throwing five punches.

'Dignity and respect'

At a news conference yesterday, Nunavut RCMP said they are taking Naulalik's complaint seriously.

"We do process a large number of prisoners from across the territory," said Inspector Don Halina. "We treat all prisoners with dignity and respect and that's what we expect of our officers."

The Ottawa Police Service has been ordered to do an independent investigation.

Ottawa police are also investigating another incident caught in a surveillance video in February.

It appears to show an officer punching a naked prisoner after he tried to kick the officer in the cell.

RCMP say the officers in both incidents are still on active duty.