Taking police to task

Do you have a question to ask about the police? Tonight is your chance to ask it. And you better move, because you may not get another chance this year. >> The MUC Public Security Commission--the civilian body in charge of supervising the police--is holding its first real public meeting in a year. While they did meet publicly last December, it was poorly publicized and had only one topic on the agenda: the approval of the MUC Police's budget. On the agenda tonight are three more controversial issues: firearm use, high-speed chases and pepper spray. >> According to City Councillor Marvin Rotrand, this incarnation of the commission has held most of its meetings behind closed doors, whereas in past years public meetings were held five or six times a year. Rotrand says the MUC has never had a commission so unwilling to meet with the public and address its concerns with the police: "It's an inept commission. It used to meet six to eight times a year. Now it meets as little as possible." >> Rotrand had hoped there would be some discussion on the choosing of a new police chief and how the community police are fitting in, as well as issues like the crackdown on youths in the street and just what kind of anti-poverty action constitutes legitimate protest. Rotrand adds, however, that the public is free to ask the commission whatever it likes. >> The meeting will be held tonight (Thursday, April 16) at 7 p.m. at 1550 Metcalfe, suite 1400. Those who wish to ask questions should arrive 15 minutes early in order to register. --Jacquie Charlton