Calgary Police will be investigating how a woman died while in RMCP custody in Tuktoyaktuk.
According to a news release from Calgary Police, the woman was taken into custody about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, and “later died just after midnight.”
Police say the cause of death is not yet known and an autopsy is schedule for Aug. 4.
“As is standard procedure with a death that occurs in custody, an external investigation is conducted by another police agency,” reads the news release.
CKLB asked NT RCMP why it selected Calgary Police to conduct the investigation and what factors were taken into account when choosing an external agency.
“As the Northwest Territories does not have an independent review committee for police investigations, we reach out to external agencies if there is a requirement for an independent investigation. Based on availability, and other factors, the agency may be available, or we may have to reach out to an alternate. In this case, the request was put out, and Calgary Police Services were able to assist by taking on the lead for the investigation,” said NT RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon.
CKLB has asked Calgary Police whether investigators have arrived in the community, when results are expected and if their findings will be released publicly.
The agency said investigators have arrived in the community. They do not have a time frame for the investigation or when final results are expected.
Calgary Police said a public update “will be likely” in the coming days after the autopsy.
Updated Aug. 3, 12 p.m.: CKLB has updated this story with additional information from NT RCMP and Calgary Police.
We have removed the woman’s age as we received reports saying the age include in the police news release may be wrong. We will add accurate information when confirmed.
