Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris announced he will be stepping down from the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act so he can provide more insight on the act.
“As a member of the Special Committee, I’m limited in what I can say and what ideas I can proffer,” explained Morris, “by stepping down, I’ll be able to present to the committee the ideas that I have developed that could, I believe, begin the healing of this fractious relationship.”
The committee was appointed in July to examine the scope of systemic racism in policing as well as the role of police in facing social issues like mental health, wellness, addictions and harm reduction.
These issues are to be examined and play a part in the province’s work to create a more modern police act.
Morris is a retired RCMP officer and will offer his expertise in the reform process.
“During my time as a member of the RCMP, I saw first-hand the changing relationship between the public and force,” added Morris, “In the last decade, that relationship has altered even more and the events of the past few months have highlighted the need for change.”
“My goal is to ensure the work of the criminal branch of policing is better separated from the very real need to provide compassionate support to those in distress,” Morris explained, “too often, police officers are asked to try and balance both and the results are not as desired for anyone involved.”
The committee has until May of 2021 to complete its report and present findings and recommendations to the legislature.