Two days after an attack on a security guard at the Longueuil courthouse, the government's special police union is complaining about a shortage of police personnel and a lack of security tools in Quebec courthouses.
• Also read: Bloody attack in the courthouse: defendant accused of attempted murder of a court interpreter wanted to attack “the system”.
In a letter addressed to Minister Bonnardel, the union points out that security in court buildings may not be optimal given the number of current employees.
“Mr Minister, we would like to officially inform you once again that the special police officers […] “We no longer have enough staff to ensure security in Quebec courthouses, putting everyone who uses them at risk,” reads.
The letter mentions about ten violent events in courthouses, most recently Tuesday's bloody attack on a court interpreter in the Longueuil courthouse, while security guards from private companies were allegedly stationed in place of the police.
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“What is worrying is that the wave of violence currently raging is accompanied by a decline in the number of special police officers in courthouses,” we add. In fact, the latter are regularly replaced by security officers from private companies who have neither weapons nor appropriate training.
The union therefore requests an emergency meeting with the minister.
More details to follow…