Complaint lodged over local officer's gag order

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association has filed a complaint with the Victoria Police Board after Chief Jamie Graham ordered one of his officers not to speak at a local drug forum.

 

Const. David Bratzer, who does public speaking on behalf of the U.S.-based non-profit organization Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, known as LEAP, was asked to join a panel of speakers at a City of Victoria harm-reduction forum last evening, attended by about 120 people.

 

Graham asked Bratzer to decline the invitation, said Victoria police Sgt. Grant Hamilton. "Const. Brazter said 'No' and told the chief, 'I want to be ordered,'" said Hamilton. "And the chief said, 'Fine. You're ordered not to speak.' "

 

Bratzer, who joined LEAP in mid-2008 after clearing it with police management, believes Canada's drug laws are harmful, result in repeat offenders and waste taxpayers' money.

 

"This officer has spoken about this issue in several public forums," said Hamilton. "And the department has supported his affiliation with the understanding that his views are personal and not a statement or the position of the Victoria Police Department."

 

However, Graham believes this is a unique situation because Bratzer was invited to speak at a public forum on a controversial topic within the community where he polices.

 

"Everyone knows him as a police officer," said Hamilton. "It would be difficult for the public to distinguish the difference between the officer's views on social policy, his duties as a police officer and the views of this department."

 

In a March 1 letter to Mayor Dean Fortin, Jason Gratl, vice-president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said the department is taking an unduly punitive and anti-free-speech position. Gratl pointed out that Brazter was to attend the conference outside of work hours and that he would be speaking on behalf of LEAP.

 

The board will look into the matter, said Hamilton.

 

ldickson@tc.canwest.com