It’s time for
Monty Robinson to be fired

An editorial in the Vancouver Province, March 28, 2012

No one can deny that the reputation of the RCMP in B.C. has been badly damaged in recent years. While some continue to have faith in the force, events such as the Air India case, the botched Pickton serial-murder investigation, sexual-harassment claims by female officers and multiple in-custody deaths, most significantly the Robert Dziekanski Tasering case, have shaken the trust many others once felt for the Mounties.

If the RCMP want to take a single baby step toward rebuilding public support we have a suggestion: fire Cpl. Monty Robinson without delay.

Robinson, who has been on paid leave for nearly 3 1/2 years since the drinking-driving accident that killed Orion Hutchinson, was convicted last week of obstructing justice in that case. He also faces a perjury trial along with other officers for allegedly lying under oath at the Dziekanski inquest.

Through his dishonesty and lousy decisions that led to the death of two people, Robinson has destroyed his ability to work as a Mountie. Allowing him to continue to collect a tax-payer-funded paycheque is an outrage to the public.

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