RCMP Defend Themselves Over Death In Cells

RCMP Defend Themselves Over Death In Cells

Friday, June 19, 2009 at 16:11

The commanding officer of Battlefords RCMP is defending his force, in the wake of the death of an Aboriginal woman in a detachment cell.

Thirty-four-year-old Ida Pauls passed away June 11, a day after she had been taken into custody for allegedly breaching the peace.

Staff Sergeant Ron Link says Pauls appeared to be intoxicated, but showed no sign of illness.

He noted a large number of people go through cells in the Battlefords, as well as Saskatoon and Regina.

“How many go through Saskatoon city, how many go through Regina city? And are we supposed to take each one to the doctor first?,” Link asks.

Link says RCMP are waiting for an autopsy report on the cause of death. After that, an investigation into Pauls’ death will be conducted by someone other than Battlefords RCMP.