Randy Lampreau (Image Credit: Contributed)

By Sydney Chisholm

CORONERS INQUEST

Kamloops sobering centre, review of RCMP policy recommended following inquest into 2019 jail cell death

Jul 29, 2024 | 6:46 AM

KAMLOOPS — Local RCMP and the City of Kamloops are being asked to undertake a comprehensive review of policies and practice procedures pertaining to prisoner wellness following an inquest into a 2019 death in cells.

Randy Lampreau, 49, was found dead on March 13, 2019, in a Kamloops RCMP holding cell after being arrested the previous night for public intoxication.

A coroners inquest into Lampreau’s death was held at the Kamloops Courthouse from July 22 to July 26.

During the inquest, 15 witnesses testified, including Lampreau’s sister (Regina Basil), the two arresting officers and two jail guards.

Jury members returned with five recommendations, three directed at RCMP E-Division and the City of Kamloops:

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“Immediately undertake a comprehensive review of RCMP policies, practice and procedures pertaining to prisoner wellness and jail block operation including but not limited to increase consistency and training pertaining to:

• visualizing breathing as a sole means of confirming life of prisoners;
• the use of light settings to high during 15-minute checks;
• assessments of prisoner wellness after falls and injuries inside cells;
• regularly scheduled drills of emergency situations;
• regularly review and upgrade of technology used to monitor and document prisoners’ wellness including but not limited to digital logbooks and intercom system,”

Hiring and sufficiently staffing both health care professionals and an Indigenous liaison at the Kamloops detachment cells is also recommended.

A recommendation addressed to the Minister of Health, the Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Interior Health Authority and the City of Kamloops request immediate funding and resources to open a sobering centre in Kamloops.

The last recommendation is addressed to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“Urgently prioritize to ensure timely development and implementation of regulations, policies, and standards as they relate to the Police Amendment Act pertaining to transitioning municipal jail guards into safety officers,” the verdict reads.

Coroner’s inquests are public hearings mandatory for any death that occurs while a person was detained by or in the custody of a peace officer.