The RCMP in Nova Scotia has taken its first action under provincial law covering copies of police cars, which was introduced after the killings of 22 people in a massacre two years ago.
The gunman responsible for the killings was driving a replica of a police car.
In response, the province introduced the Nova Scotia Police Identity Management Act, which prohibits people from owning certain items, including cars, that could be mistaken for police vehicles.
Last month, the RCMP in Annapolis County received a complaint from a member of the public about a vehicle they spotted in the area.
Ford Taurus with push lever
It was a Ford Taurus with a push lever at the front and a police interceptor badge at the rear. The badge identifies vehicles that are designed with special engines and suspension packages specifically for police use.
“Our understanding is that the vehicle was purchased and shipped from Ontario and is not a vehicle that is native here in Nova Scotia,” RCMP Cpl. Chris Marshall said on Friday.
“We know it’s not an RCMP vehicle. We don’t really know which agency it belonged to before it was decommissioned.”
Marshall said the badge and piston were the only items that identified the car as a former police car.
Items handed over, destroyed
“There were no lights, no radio, nothing like that,” Marshall said.
“But given the public concern and the fact that it was a decommissioned police car, at that point our members decided that … the vehicle is subject to [the new legislation] and … they decided to issue the notice as required by law. “
Marshall said the owner of the vehicle voluntarily handed over the two items, which were then destroyed.
The Commission, which is investigating the events of April 2020, has provided evidence showing that the shooter bought a decommissioned police car at a surplus auction and then used eBay and other sources to acquire parts such as roof lights and a lever, to restore the vehicle to the way it looks. when managed by the RCMP.
It was several hours after the riot before police confirmed that the car looked like an RCMP cruiser, and it was hours after receiving that confirmation before alerting the public.
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