Use of force expert raises questions about police methods in shooting death of Surrey, B.C., student

A use of force expert, Temitope Oriola, has raised questions about the actions of RCMP officers in the tragic incident where a Grade 10 student was shot and killed during a confrontation in Surrey, B.C. The incident took place after officers were called to a schoolyard following reports of a person in distress with a firearm. The situation escalated to a residential area where the fatal shooting occurred.

Oriola, who specializes in policing and use of force, believes that while police are allowed to use lethal force when necessary, there may have been missed opportunities to de-escalate the situation. After reviewing security camera footage of the incident, Oriola expressed concerns that the interaction ended too quickly and hastily. He suggested that a few more minutes of verbal engagement and restraint by the officers could have potentially saved the teen’s life.

The video footage shows the person, believed to be the teen, pointing what appears to be a handgun at his head and later in the direction of the police. The situation quickly escalated, and gunshots can be heard before several officers rush towards the person. Oriola emphasized the importance of de-escalation training for RCMP officers to handle high-pressure situations more effectively.

On the other hand, retired RCMP Staff Sgt. Garry Kerr, with over 30 years of experience in the force, defended the officers’ actions, stating that they must make split-second decisions when faced with a weapon. Kerr highlighted the challenges officers face in such situations and the priority of ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

The incident is now under investigation by B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office to determine the necessity and reasonableness of the police actions. The officers involved are receiving support and taking a break from the field, according to the RCMP’s union.

Trevor Dinwoodie, a board director with the National Police Federation, emphasized that officers always strive to use de-escalation techniques but sometimes face threats that require immediate action. He expressed condolences to the family and community impacted by the tragic outcome.

Oriola stressed the need for better training and protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He believes that deaths like the one in Surrey happen too frequently across the country and calls for a reevaluation of policing practices to prioritize de-escalation and non-lethal options.

As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for authorities to assess the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community mourns the loss of the teenager and calls for accountability and transparency in handling such critical incidents.