Alberta’s police watchdog (ASIRT) has cleared RCMP officers of any criminal wrongdoing in the death of a newborn child following a 2024 detention in Lloydminster cells, while raising concerns about how information was handled inside the detachment.
In a decision released March 19, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) concluded:
“While the baby’s death was untimely and tragic, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that any officers committed an offence.”
The investigation centered on a pregnant woman who was held in custody in May 2024 before being rushed to hospital, where her baby later died.
ASIRT found the child’s death was natural, caused by cardio-respiratory arrest, with contributing factors including pregnancy complications and maternal drug use.
What happened: A timeline
May 9, 2024 — Arrest and detention
- A woman was arrested on outstanding warrants and obstruction charges.
- She told officers she was pregnant at the time of arrest.
- She was transported to the Lloydminster RCMP detachment and placed in cells.
- Her pregnancy was not documented on official intake forms.
May 10 — Conflicting information
- The woman again told officers she was approximately 36 weeks pregnant.
- Guards and officers noted inconsistent statements and questioned the claim.
- A bail hearing resulted in her being held in custody.
- Officers began efforts to arrange opioid treatment medication.
May 11–12 — Medication delays
- A prescription for withdrawal treatment was arranged but delayed due to pharmacy issues.
- Medication was eventually obtained and administered on May 12.
- The woman continued to show signs of withdrawal.
Late May 12 — Medical concerns emerge
- The woman complained of stomach pain, saying “it’s my baby.”
- Guards observed behaviour consistent with possible labour.
- She denied being pregnant when questioned and declined medical care.
- Officers were told to continue monitoring her.
Early May 13 — Medical emergency
- Around 12:40 a.m., the woman suffered a seizure in her cell.
- Officers placed her in recovery position and called EMS.
- She again denied being pregnant to paramedics.
Hospital and death of newborn
- She was transported to hospital and underwent an emergency C-section.
- The baby was born but died about three hours later.
- The death was ruled natural by the Saskatchewan Coroner.
Key findings
ASIRT found:
- No excessive force was used during arrest or detention.
- Officers did not meet the threshold for criminal negligence.
- There is no evidence earlier medical care would have prevented the death.
However, the report identified serious issues inside the detachment.
“Systemic complacency” identified
While clearing officers criminally, ASIRT pointed to broader concerns in how detainee information was handled.
Investigators found:
- The woman’s pregnancy was never properly recorded in official logs.
- Information sharing between officers and guards was inconsistent.
- Staff relied on assumptions rather than confirming medical conditions.
The report described this as:
“systemic complacency in the treatment of detainees” and “an inconsistent and ineffective information-sharing process.”
Missed opportunities and communication gaps
ASIRT noted several missed opportunities that may have improved care:
- A simple note that the woman “may be pregnant” could have changed how symptoms were assessed.
- Officers relied on whether she “looked pregnant” instead of verifying medically.
- Medication follow-ups were delayed despite known withdrawal risks.
The report also highlighted a broader issue with how vulnerable detainees are treated, stating some responses reflected a dismissive or indifferent approach.
Final conclusion
Despite the concerns raised, ASIRT ultimately found the actions of officers did not meet the legal threshold for charges.
The report concluded that while the situation revealed serious communication failures, it did not amount to criminal conduct.
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