Hamilton police board approves revised use of force, prisoner handling policy in wake of disturbing arrest video
The Hamilton Police Service Board approved a revised version of policies on handling prisoners and using force on Friday, months after the alleged violent arrest of an Indigenous man in May.
The board had requested a review of police policies and procedures on the use of force and prisoner handling following a disturbing video showing an officer violently arresting Patrick Tomchuk.
A video, recorded by a witness at a gas station on May 26, showed Tomchuk's arrest by four plainclothes officers bringing him to the ground. Tomchuk is seen getting punched and kicked before losing consciousness. One of the officers continued to stomp on Tomchuk's head.
Following the incident, Const. Brian Wren was charged with assault in June as a result of a Hamilton police investigation.
The latest version of policies redefined incidents of force as use (of) physical force on another person that results in an injury requiring medical injury."
New guidelines defining use of force" also include drawing a handgun in front of the public; discharging a firearm; and use of any weapon - other than a firearm - on a person.
The Spectator could not compare the revised policies to the existing ones. Hamilton police said a freedom-of-information request would be required to view the older documents.
Geordie Elms, a member of the Hamilton police services board, said during the meeting on Friday that the revised version of the policies includes two noticeable" changes - including additional terminology, particularly around cultural respect" and detaining with prisoners according to their self-identified gender."
The additional terminology notes the police are expected to act with full respect for human dignity, cultural sensitivity and according to professional standards of skill, integrity and accountability," while caring for prisoners.
Moreover, prisoners detained in the same facility will be separated according to their self-identified gender.
During the board meeting, chair Pat Mandy clarified that the police board, governed by the Police Services Act, is mandated to give direction on governance and not operations.
I think that often there is some misunderstanding regarding the role of the board and the role of the operational aspects of the service," she said.
Tomchuk faces multiple charges - possession of property obtained by crime related to three allegedly stolen vehicles, driving disqualified and breach charges, as well as assault and resisting arrest.
He is currently out on bail, but under house arrest, watched by his two cousins.
Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com