Le policier escortant le Canadien blessé en moto

A police officer, aged 43, has sustained multiple fractures while escorting a group of motor coaches carrying players from the Canadian hockey team. This incident occurred during a pre-season match against the Senators in Quebec City, as reported by police sources.

Details of the Incident

The officer was part of a motorcycle unit tasked with managing traffic for the convoy. According to a brief statement from the Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ), the officer was preparing to direct traffic when he was struck by a vehicle.

Confirmation of Police Escort

• A spokesperson for the SPVQ, Laurence Godbout, confirmed that a police escort was arranged at the request of the Canadian team.
• The Canadian team acknowledged utilizing SPVQ services for their transit in Quebec prior to the matchup at the Videotron Centre.

Criticism of Police Escort Arrangement

Some officers have expressed concerns regarding the necessity of the police escort. They believe that the risks involved were unwarranted. One officer mentioned that the escort seemed more for show than for security purposes.

Change in Escort Protocol

Initially, the escort was intended to follow a low-risk protocol, which involved stopping at traffic lights. However, last-minute changes led to a higher-risk escort that disregarded traffic signals. This decision prompted officers to block intersections to expedite the convoy’s journey.

Accident Details

The accident happened around 6:10 PM near the Videotron Centre as the players were returning from a photo session at the Château Frontenac. Eyewitness reports indicated that the vehicle involved did not yield to an officer directing traffic, leading to the collision that critically injured the motorcycle officer.

Injuries and Recovery

• The officer was transported to the Hospital de l’Enfant-Jésus in a confused but conscious state, suffering from fractures in his spine, neck, pelvis, knee, and wrist.
• He requires multiple surgeries and faces a lengthy recuperation period, potentially impacting his 20-year police career.

Concerns Among Police Officers

After the incident, frustration grew among police personnel regarding the decision to provide an escort for a sports team. Officers questioned the justification for this operation, especially considering that thousands of fans were present at the match.

SPVQ’s Statement

The SPVQ stated they regularly conduct police escorts for dignitaries, celebrities, teams, and special events, operating under necessary conditions. However, they have not provided specific details related to the accident, citing tactical reasons.

Ongoing Investigations

The SPVQ is currently conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances of the accident. The Commission for Standards, Equity, Health, and Safety at Work (CNESST) is also analyzing the situation in cooperation with the police union.

This unfortunate event highlights the potential risks involved in police escorts, especially in high-traffic scenarios.