A review is currently being conducted on the conduct of an RCMP officer who apprehended a woman with intellectual disabilities and took her away from a mental health social center while off-duty and outside his police jurisdiction.
The woman, aged 34, suffers from a seizure disorder, autism, and intellectual and cognitive impairments. To safeguard her privacy, CBC News is refraining from disclosing her identity.
According to her caregiver, Melanie Byrne, the woman possesses childlike interests such as playing with dolls and believing in Santa Claus. Although she has been a part of Byrne’s family for many years, she began residing with Byrne and her husband in 2019.
Byrne emphasizes that the woman’s communication style is childlike, which she believes should have influenced how RCMP Const. David Banko interacted with her last winter.
Eight months post the incident, Byrne notes a significant shift in the woman’s demeanor from being cheerful and sociable to the contrary.
Byrne is advocating for an apology, accountability, and reforms following the distressing episode.
On March 21, the woman and her respite worker, Nicole Gulliver, visited the Pottle Centre, an establishment in downtown St. John’s that caters to adults with mental health issues and addictions.
Despite the center closing at 4 p.m. and the GoBus scheduled to pick her up, the woman, engrossed in creating a Roblox account on a computer, was reluctant to depart. Byrne instructed Gulliver to seek assistance from the staff to encourage the woman to leave.
A staff member at the center aggravated the situation by turning off the computer, exacerbating the woman’s agitation, according to Byrne.
Gulliver contacted 811 to request the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s mental health crisis unit, although the situation was not deemed a crisis. Shortly after, a male individual arrived, whom Gulliver alleges abruptly and callously handled the woman.
Gulliver recounts that Banko, on the phone with Byrne, forcibly removed the woman from the premises, causing distress to the woman.
Upon Byrne’s arrival, the woman expressed fear of being jailed and complained of a headache. Although Banko arrested her for mischief, the RNC decided against pressing charges upon their arrival at the scene.
Byrne raised an assault complaint against Banko with the RNC, which was initially referred to the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT-NL). However, SIRT-NL declined to investigate, citing a misalignment with its mandate.
The RNC conducted its own investigation, including witness statements and video review, which concluded without charges against the officer in May.
Byrne’s quest for justice led her to file a complaint with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, although details on the progress remain undisclosed.
Byrne asserts that Banko’s actions were excessive and calls for training, an apology, and assurances of improved handling of similar incidents at the Pottle Centre.
The Pottle Centre and its board of directors refrained from commenting on the incident in response to interview requests. Nonetheless, they communicated with Byrne and pledged to review their policies and procedures to prevent future occurrences.
Leah Farrell, a representative from the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighted systemic shortcomings in addressing neurodivergent individuals in crisis situations and advocated for improved staff training and collaboration.
The woman’s health deteriorated post the incident, with extended hospitalization periods and visible decline. Byrne expresses concerns over the lasting impact of the traumatic incident on the woman’s well-being.
Byrne’s relentless pursuit of justice continues through formal complaints and engagements with relevant authorities and organizations to seek accountability and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.