Moncton shootings report: key recommendations

MONCTON, N.B. -- Some of the key recommendations in a report released Friday on the fatal shootings last year of three Mounties in Moncton, N.B.:

• Better training is needed to prepare supervisors to manage such incidents until a critical incident commander assumes command.
• General duty officers who are trained in the use of a long-barreled gun where they are available must ensure the weapon is in their vehicle while on duty.
• Firearms must be stored with sufficient ammunition.
• All officers should receive a briefing and demonstration on the appropriate use of hard body armour.
• The Codiac detachment in southeast New Brunswick should look at radio coverage outside of central Moncton because there are areas with gaps in coverage.
• Officers should be allowed to use plain language on radio communications instead of a code system in urgent situations.
• Members of the RCMP need better access to ammunition for practice.
• The RCMP should consider broadening its support for initiatives that support young people with mental illness.
• The RCMP's critical incident stress management team should include experienced psychologists who understand policing, experienced RCMP peer support personnel, RCMP chaplains and nurses trained for such situations.
• The RCMP should expedite the deployment of patrol carbines, a type of assault rifle used by the military and many police departments, across the force.