WARNING: This story contains gory details.
Jury of BC Coroner’s Inquiry into Vancouver Police Const’s Suicide. Nicole Chan makes 12 recommendations, including better communication between community health care providers, law enforcement, paramedics, and doctors in hospitals treating patients with mental health emergencies.
Other recommendations include increasing respect in on-the-job training within the Vancouver Police Department, and having VPD Human Resources personnel receive training specific to HR operations.
Sister Jen Chang said Nicole would have been happy with the recommendation.
“I’m so glad she was finally listened to and that everyone listened and felt the same way about the fact that things need to change.” will be moved.”
A jury verdict confirmed that the official cause of death was suicide by strangulation with ligatures in the early hours of January 27, 2019.
Chan, 30, died after being arrested by VPD officials under the Mental Health Act for being a suicidal person after being released from the Access and Assessment Center at Vancouver General Hospital.
The inquest heard about Chan’s history of mental health struggles and how she was closely associated with two senior VPD officers.
Chan filed a complaint against one of those officers, Sgt. David Van Patten, who allegedly sexually assaulted and coerced her, was her Chan’s supervisor in the VPD’s human resources department.
Chan Claimed in WorkSafeBC’s claims That Van Patten told her not to report their relationship, or that she told a VPD psychologist that she wasn’t feeling well. She claimed Van Patten warned her that he had access to her personnel files, including reports from her psychologist.
“The whole point of the inquest was to show that Nicole didn’t want to be a victim,” said Chan family attorney Gloria Ng. It’s about these recommendations being truly listened to and action taken.”
Other recommendations by the jury are:
- Direct communication between police, paramedics, and doctors in hospitals receiving patients who bring in persons arrested under the Mental Health Act.
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A mandatory psychological clinical interview should be conducted as part of the recruitment process for all potential VPD Officers and the results taken into consideration.
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VPD provides a representative for HR or peer support cases for employees with mental health issues.
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A mandatory annual psychological check-in by a psychologist for officers of all ranks in all sections, as well as those working in high-risk units.
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Rumors and gossip are recognized by our policy as examples of unprofessional behavior.
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VPD ensures that each section works independently of each other, rather than depending on each other.
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The Ministry of Health is considering creating a database accessible to all health authorities, including medical records of patients with suicidal thoughts.
The inquest heard testimony from more than 30 witnesses over seven days.Full list of its recommendations can be found here.
In a statement, Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer said Chan’s inquest had an impact.
“While it will take some time to consider the jury’s recommendations, we remain committed to ensuring that Nicole’s death continues to lead to positive change for police and everyone struggling with mental health. increase.
If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help at:
This guide from Addiction and Mental Health Center Outline how to talk about suicide with someone you care about.
