Relationships with the Police

This past week in Montreal we witness the annual demonstration against police brutality. A mere 100 people showed up to voice their dissatisfaction with the police. It's not alot of people given the population of Montreal. My first thoughts were that this was such a waste of tax payers money and here is a bunch of people that have absolutely no clue as to what the police are all about. For some of the demonstrators, they were there because it was the thing to do. They never ever had any real interaction with the police.

I though back about my relationship with the police, mainly the major crimes department. Prior to Kelly-Anne's death, I never really had any interaction with the police. Dealing with major crimes from October 3rd 2004 on, was a very special experience.I said back then and I still maintain,that these investigators are gold medalists and that Kelly-Anne had the right people in place to be her voice.

This past October on the fifth anniversary of her death, I called major crimes and asked to speak to a police detective who worked on the case. I also met him at a function a couple of years later. When we spoke, I asked him if he remembered me. He responded by saying of course he did, but I am surprised that you remember me , he continued. I responded to him saying how could I not remember him. I though afterwards how could he think that I would of not remembered him. The relationships that are fostered between the family and the police are so close. That may seem odd to some, but in reality the police become family. They suddenly know everything about you and are sharing some of the most intimate things with you. Once you are involved with the police your life becomes an opened book.

I can remember daily telephone calls from the detective in charge after Kelly-Anne's death just calling to say hello to see how we were. I can remember his visit to our home. I can remember the telephone calls during the trial to tell me to take care of myself. The openness to be available to us at any given time was always offered.

The police department took us under their wing. We couldn't of gotten through everything without their support.

I would of loved to have been at that demonstration last week to tell these people my story.
These demonstrators never lived in my shoes, and probably never had my experience. All they see is the negative and cannot allow themselves to see the police in any other way.

It's so sad to wear blinders.

Each time I hear of a murder in the city, I know our major crimes department is out there working earnestly to gather all the information and to find the person responsible for the crime. It's long hard work.

Kudos to our police force!