TWO POLICE OFFICERS TO FACE ETHICS HEARINGS OVER VIOLATIONS OF DETAINED YOUTH'S RIGHTS

Montreal, April 24, 2013 --- Two Montreal police officers will face hearings before the Police Ethics Committee for violations of a biracial girl's civil rights during her interrogation at a local youth detention center.

One day, in February 2012, while being in detention, she was visited by two Montreal police detectives who placed under arrest and interrogated her in a closed room at the detention center over an alleged criminal offense. Her interrogation took place without an adult present as stated in an agreement between the detention center and the Montreal Police Service, although she did make clear that she wanted a lawyer, her mother or a staff person present during the interrogation.

After the two officers left, the girl was upset and fearful, and immediately filed a police ethics complaint against the officers. Eventually, CRARR took over the case and filed an additional civil rights complaint with the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission against the officers for violations of her civil rights due to her race and age.

Last week, the Commissioner informed the youth of the citation of the two officers before the Police Ethics Committee. The case raises important issues concerning the civil rights of youth detainees during a police interrogation and the police officer's duties to uphold these rights.