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“Based on the unique set of circumstances, I can acknowledge how the officer’s approach could have been perceived as insensitive and for this the RCMP apologizes. However, given the safety risks involved, the on-going homicide investigation, and the limited information that could be provided by and to the officers, the approach the RCMP had to take was tactical in nature and in this situation it was acceptable.”

Photo by Gord Waldner / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Gibbs says two RCMP officers reported that one of Baptiste’s sons gave an RCMP officer permission to search the trailer, something Boushie’s family members dispute.

“There was no definitive evidence other than the word of the witnesses and the police,” Gibbs writes. “Based on the difference in the recollection of the events by witnesses and that of the officers, I am unable to support your allegation.”

Boushie’s family also complained that the RCMP sent out a prejudicial news release about Boushie’s death that made Boushie look like a criminal. Gibbs said that wasn’t the intent of the release and that protocol was followed when it was sent out. He said that since concerns about that news release were raised, the RCMP now has media releases regarding sensitive matters involving indigenous people reviewed by Aboriginal Police Services review before they are sent out.

The family’s final complaint — the only one that was substantiated in the investigation — was that a person who was taken into police custody in connection with the shooting was in the back seat of a police vehicle when it pursued two other vehicles. Gibbs said the officers had been in a rush and did not notice the female was in the back seat. The pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour for roughly one kilometre before it was called off.