It was 3 years ago today that Bernard Richard came out with his report!!!!

The problem with this so-called report is they never followed his recommendations and the City didn't want to pay for my lawyer.

We found out one year after that the Cops labelled me as a Pedophile but nothing was done or apology given.

This could go on for years before the citizens are protected!!!

http://www.newbrunswickbeacon.ca/26905/fredericton-police/

Report released Tuesday said Fredericton police should have “farmed out” libel investigation Amanda-Leigh Jess December 4, 2012 News blogger, canadian civil liberties, Canadian Civil Liberties Association, criminal libel, investigation team, New Brunswick, ombudsman, police force, public sphere, seizure

Share : TwitterFacebook richard 1 300x225 Report released Tuesday said Fredericton police should have farmed out libel investigation Bernard Richard conducted the review into the criminal libel investigation (Photo: Amanda Jess) An independent report released Tuesday afternoon said the Fredericton Police should have “farmed out” the investigation into criminal libel involving blogger Charles LeBlanc and a police officer.

“There was too much history with the force, too many incidents involving the same officer and Mr. LeBlanc was too often in the public sphere to avoid the perception that the FPF (Fredericton Police Force) could not be totally impartial in its consideration of the case,” the report read.

The report, conducted by former ombudsman Bernard Richard on behalf of the City of Fredericton, made seven recommendations to the city and the police.

One of those recommendations included using the existing New Brunswick Integrated Investigation Team to look into any future matters involving police officers where the public’s confidence in the Fredericton Police Force could be at stake.

richard 2 300x225 Report released Tuesday said Fredericton police should have farmed out libel investigation Acting Police Chief Leanne Fitch (Photo: Amanda Jess) “Of all seven recommendations, I fully embrace them. They are certainly sound and fair recommendations. I see this as an opportunity to improve our service delivery, improve how we respond to certain challenges that our officers face everyday …” said Acting Fredericton Police Chief Leanne Fitch.

The review was launched in June after the Canadian Civil Liberties Association wrote to the Fredericton Police Chief earlier in the year with concerns about LeBlanc’s arrest, the search of his home and the seizure of his computer as well as the pending charges of criminal libel.

Many others also voiced concerns with the investigation and charges including a group of professors from the University of New Brunswick that wrote a letter to the Attorney General addressing three jurisdictions that found section 301 of the Criminal Code, the criminal libel portion, unconstitutional.

The Crown told the Fredericton Police in April that they couldn’t pursue the charges, relating to comments LeBlanc made on his blog in July 2011.

Other recommendations that came out of the report included a suggested change in search warrants which involve computer data. Richard’s report also recommended offering support for members of the police force that are targets of unfair and potentially harmful criticism.

“It is a delicate balance, but I certainly take the recommendation that our officers veins, flesh and blood. They too can be victimized in our communities and it’s important they receive the level of support that they need and deserve,” Fitch said.

Three recommendations involved how the police deal with mental health.

The three recommendations were to provide “enhanced mandatory training on dealing with emotionally disturbed persons,” include staff with expertise in dealing with mental health issues, and develop a policy for responding to those with mental health issues. This included a section that would deal with managing communications when clients publish false and/or libellous information.

richard 3 300x225 Report released Tuesday said Fredericton police should have farmed out libel investigation Charles LeBlanc filming the release of the report (Photo: Amanda Jess) LeBlanc said he’s “disappointed” with the report.

“It’s been a very emotional fight. When you get 8 or 10 cops coming to your door, it’s scary. I haven’t been the same Charles LeBlanc and I probably never will be, but they made it sound like, ‘Oh my God, this poor person has a mental disorder.’”

LeBlanc said he has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but “doesn’t see anything wrong with that.”

When asked if he thought the report further stigmatized mental health problems, he said, “I think it’s disgusting.”

LeBlanc declined invitations from Richard to speak with him for the report. The police officer involved also turned down the chance to give a statement to Richard.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside also said he and the city have accepted the recommendations. “With you [Richard] and the reputation that precedes you, I feel that we have dealt with this fairly and that’s all that council has wanted from the outset. And you delivered. And I appreciate that.” Fitch said the police will be following up on the recommendations.