The RCMP has apologized for its “insensitive and callous treatment” of Raymond Silverfox while in police custody.
“There is no doubt that in our care and handling of Mr. Silverfox, we have failed to respect and live up to the standards and values that not only Yukoners, but all Canadians expect us to meet,” RCMP Supt. Peter Clark said in a news release yesterday.
“We have failed you, and we have failed ourselves.”
Silverfox vomited 26 times in the RCMP drunk tank, wet himself and defecated in his pants.
He spent more than 13 hours laying in his own mess while guards and police joked around outside.
After asking for a mat to sleep on, Silverfox was told by one officer to “sleep in his own shit.”
“I am shocked, as are many members of the RCMP, and disappointed that Mr. Silverfox had to endure insensitive and callous treatment while in RCMP custody,” said Clark.
“The RCMP sincerely regrets the death of Mr. Silverfox and we offer our deepest condolences to his family.”
The Silverfox family is “despondent” after last week’s inquest and is considering how to proceed, according to their lawyer, Susan Roothman.
The jury found that Silverfox died of natural causes.
Although the family considers Silverfox’s death a homicide, a decision labeling his death as unnatural and accidental would have been more acceptable, said Roothman.
“We at least expected that the jury would recognize the role the RCMP played in the incident.”
If the death was natural, why make recommendations for the RCMP and guards? she asked.
“There’s a discrepancy between the finding of natural causes and the recommendations.”
The family may request the decision be reviewed by the Yukon Supreme Court, Roothman added.
Contact Chris Oke at chriso@yukon-news.com