While heavy security is expected at the murder trial of Gerald Stanley next week in Battleford, the RCMP is keeping under wraps their plans for security during the trial.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the RCMP indicated they would again have a police presence during the upcoming trial, but did not divulge specific details.
In a statement, Staff Sgt. Rob Embree said the RCMP were responsible for “the safety and security of all parties at and around the court house (Provincial Court Security manages security inside the courthouse).
“We take that responsibility seriously and, as with all our security operations, determine the level of our presence by conducting a thorough risk assessment and deploying resources accordingly. We continually evaluate and adjust our resource allocation based on the needs of the situation in order to ensure public safety.
“However, the RCMP can neither confirm nor disclose any details around any security operation for safety reasons.”
In addition, Embree said it would be inappropriate for the RCMP to comment on any aspect of the evidence before the court.
“We must allow the judicial process to take its course without influence or bias,” the RCMP release stated.
Stanley is the individual accused of the murder of Colten Boushie on property in the RM of Glenside in August 2016. The case has drawn massive interest from the public, with a number of large gatherings taking place outdoors during previous court proceedings at the Battleford courthouse and at the provincial courthouse in North Battleford.
A heavy security presence from the RCMP was noticed in April, during Stanley’s preliminary hearing at North Battleford provincial court. At the time, the tight security drew criticism from Boushie supporters who claimed it was excessive.
