Review triggered by Mountie's death finds Crown should handle bail hearings, not police

A review ordered after the fatal shooting of a Mountie in Alberta suggests police officers should not have to stand in at bail hearings that immediately follow an arrest.

The review concludes that Crown prosecutors should instead be present at all such hearings, Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley announced in Calgary on Friday.

The Alberta government is already acting on several of the review's 31 recommendations, but Ganley says it will need to consult with police and the courts before moving forward with others.

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The province asked for the review following the shooting death of RCMP Const. David Wynn outside an Edmonton-area casino in January 2015.

The shooter, Shawn Rehn, had a lengthy history of criminal and violent behaviour, but was free after a bail hearing where a police officer was present.

That raised the question of whether Crown prosecutors, with more courtroom experience, should attend all bail hearings.

"There's also a number of other recommendations that centre around ensuring that information flows properly," Ganley said.

"So, ensuring that, regardless of who the presenter is, they have the right information in front of them … and they have the right education to understand what the factors are, what they need to put before either the judge or the justice of the peace."

RCMP K-Division Insp. Gibson Glavin told CBC News the force has received the report and it reviewing it. 

Glavin says the RCMP is "anxious to support the government in whatever action it takes."

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