RCMP preparing to give FBI and DEA authority to arrest Canadians in Canada.

[kirant]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I really don't see this as any sort of the thing that some of you guys are concerned about. What I really think is that these agencies already do investigations on Canadian soil; and this new law would just mean they don't need a Canadian police officer to shadow them the entire time in case they need to make an arrest.

I don't know for sure, but I would think an American FBI agent wouldn't even be able to make a citizen's arrest in Canada. To me- it seems like that is the level of power we are giving them; citizen's arrest power in certain parts of the country.

If my interpretation is correct, I think (but I haven't read the law in full, so I'm not sure) it's that the FBI agent can arrest a Canadian in Canada for crimes that the US previously wanted them for. My interpretation is also that American officers can't make arrests for violating American laws in Canada (which would be plain silly) or Canadian laws in Canada.

For example, if Jim committed a federal offence that put him on the US radar, then fled to Canada, the FBI agents stationed in Canada could arrest him instead of requesting the RCMP to arrest him.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Well if it's a good idea, it's a good idea. If it's good for them to come here and "share resources" or whatever, it must be good for us. What possible objection could they have?

Why else would the RCMP be asking for this if it doesnt benefit them? and again it appears that this would work both ways. Just using logic tells us that.

"Far larger resources" and "border safe and secure" sound nice, but lets not forget that this law enforcement will be coming from a country with a significantly worse crime rate than ours, 2.3 million people in the slammer, a gun violence problem, and a severe illegal immigration problem.

It just doesn't seem like they are doing a bang-up job in their own backyard. We are doing better, in fact.

Just because Canada is uber soft on crime, and the US over the top on some things, doesnt make either side better than the other and most certainly doesnt have anything to do with this topic.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Why else would the RCMP be asking for this if it doesnt benefit them? and again it appears that this would work both ways. Just using logic tells us that.

The benefits aren't actually supposed to be for the RCMP. They're supposed to be for the rest of us. If they can demonstrate that this is good for all of us, then fine. If all it's good for is increased police budgets and pot busts, then it's not.

Originally Posted by transplant99

Just because Canada is uber soft on crime, and the US over the top on some things, doesnt make either side better than the other and most certainly doesnt have anything to do with this topic.

Sorry, I didn't realize you were defining the topic. I figured the competence of the foreign police force that you are so gung ho about inviting into Canada might be of some importance. Apparently not.

[FLAMESRULE]

FYI...here is the response from Michelle Rempel (MP Calgary Centre-North)...

Mr. FLAMESRULE,

On behalf of Michelle Rempel, M.P., Calgary Centre-North, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your email and thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with her on this issue.

This is in reference to Shiprider, a government initiative that gives US authorities on a joint vessel peace officer status in Canada and vice versa. Cross border policing is a common sense and cost effective solution to the very real problem of cross border crime.
The Shiprider Pilot Project has had real and tangible results, including:

 Taking 214 pounds of marijuana, 167 grams of cocaine and more than one million contraband cigarettes off the streets;
 Recovering nearly $100,000 worth of stolen vehicles; and
 Rescuing an abducted child.

Please be assured that your comments have been carefully reviewed and recorded for the Member's information.

Sincerely,

William Broome
Manager, Constituency Affairs
Michelle Rempel, M.P.
Calgary Centre-North