Mountie accused of kicking man in face didn’t follow training, court told

KELOWNA, B.C. – A use of force expert has told the assault trial of a Kelowna Mountie that Const. Geoff Mantler broke just about every rule in police training when he arrested a man in January 2011.

Mantler was charged after Buddy Tavares was kicked in the face while he was on his hands and knees on a street.

Sgt. Jeremy Lane of the Abbotsford Police Department, who analyzed video of the incident, testified Mantler should have waited for back-up from other officers before getting out of his vehicle, and didn’t follow the proper procedures when dealing with a suspect who could have a gun.

He says Mantler’s commands to Tavares were incomplete and vague and may have left Tavares confused about what Mantler wanted, adding there was nothing to suggest Tavares was refusing to co-operate.

He says the kick to Tavares face was not justified considering the potential risk threat to Mantler.

Lane also told the judge Mantler put another officer in a dangerous cross fire position when pointing his gun at Tavares, adding the officer’s notes following the incident were surprisingly sparse on details. (CHBC)