A public police conduct listening to examines the actions of six Charlottetown Police Companies officers who interacted with Tyler Knockwood, 34, the day earlier than his suicide in January 2023 at Province Home, the historic P.E.I. Legislature constructing the place he labored on restoration efforts. This marks the primary such listening to in Prince Edward Island, with an adjudicator set to rule on potential neglect of responsibility.
A number of Police Calls Previous Tragedy
Officers responded to Knockwood’s dwelling 4 instances inside 24 hours earlier than his loss of life. Witnesses testified that Knockwood confirmed no indicators of a psychological well being disaster and didn’t qualify for apprehension beneath P.E.I.’s Psychological Well being Act. The ultimate name concerned serving an emergency safety order to take away him from the residence.
An officer described discovering Knockwood locked in his unfinished basement, noting he appeared “very composed, articulate and well mannered.” Officers, who confirmed their coaching in psychological well being calls, eliminated him however reported he refused psychological well being assets and didn’t pack belongings. They transported him to a downtown Charlottetown lodge, the place employees later testified his bank card was declined, stopping him from securing a room. Knockwood then visited a provincially run Neighborhood Outreach Centre, spoke briefly with employees, however didn’t specify wanted assist.
Widow’s Lawyer Questions Thoroughness
Asha James, lawyer for Knockwood’s widow Laura MacArthur, argues the officers’ investigations lacked depth. James highlighted that Knockwood had locked himself within the basement amid accusations that MacArthur poisoned the air and water, signaling a psychological well being episode.
“There have been some clear indications that Tyler wasn’t effectively and that he was somebody in want of assist,” James said. She emphasised that a number of officers dealt with the identical particular person inside six hours, warranting extra questions. “They did not do sufficient. Tyler was any person who was in want of help. His household was attempting to get him help. The social employee thought that one thing wasn’t proper with him, and the officers did not act on it.”
James criticized incomplete note-taking and the failure to assemble statements from MacArthur and members of the family. She questioned whether or not officers ought to have apprehended Knockwood for his security or others’, past merely providing hospital transport.
MacArthur Describes Husband’s Decline
Laura MacArthur recounted her husband’s escalating paranoia and agitation within the days earlier than his loss of life. He had visited a hospital days earlier after self-harming. When Knockwood grew aggressive, MacArthur sought police assist for an emergency safety order however said officers ignored her explanations of his psychological well being historical past.
Listening to Progress and Future Steps
The listening to has concluded its proof part, with attorneys scheduled to ship remaining arguments subsequent month. A choice from the adjudicator could take a number of months.
Want Assist? Nationwide Suicide and Disaster Lifeline: 988. P.E.I.’s Psychological Well being and Addictions Cellphone Line: 1-833-553-6983. Discuss Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (cellphone) | 45645 (textual content). Children Assist Cellphone: 1-800-668-6868 (cellphone), reside chat on the web site. Canadian Affiliation for Suicide Prevention: Discover a 24-hour disaster centre. Centre for Dependancy and Psychological Well being information on discussing suicide issues.
