Calgary Police Service concludes investigation into RCMP in-custody death

Approximately two years ago, the Calgary Police Service was called upon to conduct an external investigation regarding the death of a woman who passed away while in police custody in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Saturday, July 31, 2021, a 54-year-old woman was taken into custody by the RCMP for public intoxication and later passed away just after midnight.

As is standard procedure when someone passes away while in police custody, an external investigation is conducted by another police agency to ensure objectivity and fairness. In this case, the Calgary Police Service led the investigation.

Due to the complex nature of in-custody death investigations, the conclusive results of the autopsy, including cause of death, take time to determine due to the extensive testing required. 

Now that all of the necessary testing is complete and the evidence has been examined, the investigation is now concluded. We have worked diligently with the Crown Prosecutor to ensure all investigative steps and procedures were properly followed. 

As a result, the death of the woman is deemed to be non-criminal. This means no charges will be laid, and the name of the woman and the cause of death will not be publicly released by the Calgary Police Service.

We express our condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman. The Calgary Police Service would like to thank the RCMP for their co-operation throughout this investigation.