OPP takes steps to protect officers after document leak

Paul Morse
Hamilton Spectator
(Jun 14, 2006)

[SISIS note: The following mainstream news article is provided for reference only, as an example of how mainstream media treats indigenous resistance to genocide. Mainstream media often presents biased and distorted information, lacking pertinent facts and/or context. Inclusion of this article on our site should not be considered an endorsement by SISIS.]

The OPP has told its union that special precautions are now in place after confidential police documents landed in the hands of native protesters.

"All affected members as a result of the leak have been notified, and they (OPP) are taking steps to insure their safety," Karl Walsh, president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, said yesterday.

Natives ended up with an intelligence gold mine last Friday when they clashed with a plainclothes OPP officer and two U.S. Border Patrol agents and stole their vehicle.

The unmarked SUV contained an intelligence log, officers' names and home phone numbers, along with operational details.

A native newspaper based on the Six Nations reserve obtained the documents, and provided a copy to The Spectator.

The OPP yesterday would not discuss what security measures have been taken.

"We have taken appropriate actions," said media officer Constable Jeff Walraven.

Walsh said he's satisfied with security measures, but demanded the OPP move against native protesters wanted on a series of warrants.

An OPP officer in the stolen vehicle was seriously injured during the altercation.

Shortly after, two CH TV cameramen were roughed up by native protesters.

A 30-year-old Six Nations man is being sought on an attempted murder arrest warrant for allegedly trying to drive over the OPP officer. Five others face arrest on a range of charges. Police say a warrant is pending on a seventh.

"We want to know that those people will be brought to justice," Walsh said. Any attack on an officer is an attack on society, "and it can't go unanswered," he said. "We want these warrants executed and expedited."

Members of the Six Nations Confederacy repeated yesterday that they won't hand the wanted man and five others over to police.

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory said he's very concerned the lost confidential documents may compromise officer safety. Tory questioned whether Premier Dalton McGuinty's government is influencing how police are handling the standoff.

pmorse@thespec.com
905-526-3434