Conduct Case Summary MPCC-2014-001

This complaint arose out of a traffic stop conducted by a Military Police (MP) member at a stop-light-controlled intersection on a Canadian Forces Base. The complainant was a civilian stopping at a restaurant on the base before continuing on to work in a nearby town. The complainant had stopped his vehicle near the intersection during a yellow light and proceeded to turn left through the intersection after the light turned red.

During the course of the traffic stop the complainant twice attempted to leave his vehicle and make purchases at the restaurant while the subject MP member conducted checks inside his patrol car. The subject requested the complainant remain in his vehicle. The complainant and subject each raised their voices and expressed frustration with the other during their interactions. After being issued a traffic violation ticket, the complainant attempted to enter the restaurant, at which time the subject MP suggested the complainant find another restaurant. The complainant returned to his vehicle and drove off the base. The subject followed him for approximately two kilometres, to the edge of the base, in his police vehicle.

The complainant alleged the traffic stop was "senseless" as he was required to complete his turn after the light turned red because he had already entered the intersection and had to wait for several cars, including the MP vehicle, to clear the intersection before turning safely. The complainant further alleged that during the course of the traffic stop, the subject MP's behaviour was "senseless, aggressive, dominating and rough", that the subject MP ordered him off the base, and may have had a visual impairment.

After its own investigation the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC) substantiated the allegations that the subject's behaviour towards the complainant was not professional and that the complainant was objectively ordered to leave the base, but did not substantiate the allegations that the traffic ticket was "senseless" or that the subject MP was suffering from a visual impairment.

Given the fact that the subject MP is no longer a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, the MPCC saw no need to recommend any individual remedial measures. However, the MPCC did recommend that the local MP Unit provide training on the application of the Defence Controlled Area Access Regulations and the related MP Standard Operating Procedure.

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