RCMP starring in US reality show raises ire

A former member of the federal government was disturbed at an incident she witnessed in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Audrey McLaughlin saw RCMP officers arresting an intoxicated and upset woman which was being filmed by a US camera crew. Upon questioning what was going on, she learned the “mounties” were starring in a US reality show about policing in the Canadian north.

One of many witnesses to the incident, Debbie Paquette, said it’s unfortunate the RCMP would make a public spectacle of a distraught aboriginal woman.

Ms McLaughlin and others say policing should not be turned into entertainment, for US or any other consumers.

In an interview earlier this week, David Gilbert, Yukon RCMP’s director of organizational strategy, said non-RCMP members would only be filmed with their consent.

Ms Mclaughlin wondered how an intoxicated person could give knowledgeable consent. She also said people could be easily indimidated if the police asked them if they agree to being filmed during arrests or questioning, or other situations.

As a result of the backlash, the RCMP has suspended its participation with the US reality show.

In a press release Thursday, the RCMP said it “has been made aware of a number of public concerns” surrounding the filming of the television show, including reports from the CBC and other media “indicating that some members of the public are uncomfortable with the filming.”