On Monday, February 28, 2005 Saanich Police Received A Copy of Jury’s Verdict at Coroner’s Inquest Into the Death of Majencio Camaso:

During the Saanich Police Department’s Bi-weekly Media Conference on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 Chief Constable Derek Egan issued a statement in support of the Jury’s Verdict.

“The recommendations of the coroners jury seem very well considered and are very good.  I will be considering them very carefully with my staff and discussing them with my colleagues in other police departments where they touch on regional issues.”

“The six recommendations appear to focus on the need for alternate and early intervention strategies and resources, and ensuring awareness and training of police.  I am strongly supportive of any strategy that sees early intervention in treating persons suffering from a mental illness before the condition deteriorates to a point where emergency police intervention becomes necessary in the interest of public safety.”

Recommendations:

1. We recommend that if the Emergency Mental Health Services pilot project meets its objectives that it be expanded to a 24 hour, 7 day a week program to service all police agencies within the jurisdiction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority’s Capital Health Region.

2. We recommend formalization of communications within the Greater Victoria police jurisdictions, to include Municipal and RCMP, in order to ensure increased awareness of mental health issues and the services and benefits provided by the Emergency Mental Health Services team.

3. We recommend substantial increase to instruction component at the police academy (J.I.of BC) on awareness of mental health issues in policing including available tools and resources when responding to mental health calls.

4. We recommend every municipal police recruit spend one shift during Block 2 field training with Emergency Mental Health Services team and that this opportunity be extended to members of the Greater Victoria RCMP.

5. We recommend that information regarding mental health issues and policies be brought to police officers’ attention during daily roll calls.

6. We recommend that all 911 operators and dispatchers be oriented in the services provided by the Emergency Mental Health Services team.

Chief Constable Egan provided reporters an opportunity to ask questions in relation to the recommendations.