The RCMP trial over alleged violations of the Canada Labour Code is continuing today with the testimony of retired officer Alphonse MacNeil.
He was tasked with producing a report analyzing the events surrounding the June 4th shooting.
Crown: timeframe? MacNeil: 90 days to complete the review. 45 days request for interim report #Moncton #MonctonNews #NB #NBNews
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
MacNeil: I decided to recruit from within the #RCMP for report. Wanted ppl familiar with organization already. #Moncton #MonctonNews #NB
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
MacNeil: I was the final decision maker on what elements would go into the report #Moncton #MonctonNews #NB #NBNews #RCMP
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
MacNeil says nobody stepped up and took charge during the incident, and many officers were unaware of how to use their hard body armour.
MacNeil: no one got on the radio and said “we’re in a shooting situation, put on your hard body armour” #Moncton #MonctonNews #NB #NBNews
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
He adds Justin Bourque had an advantage of firepower, range, and concealment over the responding officers.
MacNeil’s report also concludes the RCMP had failures of supervisor training, and officers were not comfortable using the shotgun and .308 calibre rifle.
MacNeil: .308 rifles hadn’t been serviced or maintained since 2002. Officers had lack of confidence in non-zeroed in rifles #Moncton #RCMP
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
MacNeil: shotgun doesn’t have sling, has to be carried in hands at all times or put down. Not convenient #Moncton #MonctonNews #NB #NBNews
— Dave Heintzman (@daveheintzman) May 17, 2017
During his testimony today, MacNeil repeatedly emphasized he was not critical of the conduct of the RCMP officers themselves.
He adds they did the very best they could with what they had under the most trying of circumstances.
The Crown is expected to wrap up their portion of the trial this afternoon.
