THUNDER BAY -- Images have emerged that appear to show a Thunder Bay Police Service officer guarding the scene of a sudden death at Thunder Bay's Marina Park, allowing a bride to have pictures taken inside a marked police cruiser.
The images were posted to social media on Saturday.
According to the person who posted the pictures, he and his daughter went to Marina Park to pay their respects to the victim of a sudden death, who he said was his daughter's best friend. He also noted the deceased woman was Indigenous.
Upon arriving at the scene, where three marked police vehicles and two unmarked vehicles were standing watch over the taped off scene, the man said he witnessed police taking pictures in front of the crime scene, noting everyone was laughing.
"I feel sick of the Thunder Bay Police they showed no respect. I told him [I] got it all on video and I never seen a Police Officer so embarrassed and he just said 'I'm so sorry Sir.' The wedding party just stopped laughing."
A Thunder Bay Police spokesman said no disrespect was intended.
"We understand that the bride was related to a retired TBPS officer. This was impromptu situation where the bride approached the officer and requested a photo be taken in the cruiser. There was no intent to cause any indignity or disrespect to anyone or the scene which was still being held," Chris Adams said Monday in an emailed statement.
Thunder Bay Police have been accused of systemic racism in reports filed by both the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) and Senator Murray Sinclair. Several murder investigations involving Indigenous victims were also ordered to be re-investigated as a result.
In recent months, a number of human rights complaints have been filed against the Thunder Bay Police Services Board and police leadership.On top of this, Thunder Bay Police Chief Sylvie Hauth is also currently under suspension, facing allegations of misconduct brought forth by the OCPC.
TBNewswatch has reached out to the Thunder Bay Police Services Board seeking comment, but has not yet heard back.
-- TBNewswatch.com