Lynn Lau
Northern News Services

Tuktoyaktuk (Nov 25/02) - A territorial court judge expressed dismay Wednesday over what he described as a recurring problem of public contempt for authority figures in Tuktoyaktuk.

Judge Brian Bruser said he had sentenced many cases in Tuktoyaktuk over the years involving harassment and abuse of police officers, bylaw officers, nurses, social workers, and their families. He said he had even presided over a case of a person shooting at, and narrowly missing police.

"There has been an alarming tendency in Tuktoyaktuk to go after people in authority," Bruser said. "It can't be allowed." He said police officers and other public service workers shouldn't have to put up with abuse in the line of duty.

Bruser made the comments as he was sentencing Charlene Ann Chicksi, an 18-year-old who Wednesday pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and assault on a peace officer. According to an agreed statement of facts, Chicksi assaulted a woman at a house party Sept. 6. When police arrived to arrest her, she fought with them and in a drunken rage, kicked at the inside of the police cruiser. Later, as officers were attempting to remove her from a holding cell, she kneed a constable in the groin.

Chicksi was fined $300 and given a probation period of one year for the house party assault. She was also handed a one-month jail term for fighting with police.

Bruser's statements appeared to be a direct comment on strained relations between the public and police in recent months.

In August, more than 200 residents signed a petition accusing the RCMP of "unnecessary use of force" and "harassing the citizens of the community." Tensions culminated in two emotionally charged meetings during which one resident even suggested exiling police officers from the community.

Police say ill feelings arose because of a crackdown on drug trafficking and bootlegging. Indeed, Kitti Hall was filled Wednesday as close to four dozen people who faced charges in youth and adult court. "It's amazing how many people have charges here," Bruser said as he ploughed his way through the 15-page docket. "They're released and re-offend, released and re-offend, allegedly."

Two people who have publicly complained of police mistreatment were among those facing charges in court last week.

John Noksana Sr., a 55-year-old hamlet employee, says he was beaten and pepper-sprayed during his Aug. 10 arrest for public drunkenness. He also says police denied him access to water to wash his eyes for the 15 hours he remained in the police holding cell.

Allison Raddi, 32, says she was arrested for no reason, choked until she blacked out and beaten on the night of Aug. 10. She also says police have been harassing her on the streets and trying to talk her out of laying a formal complaint.

Noksana's case was adjourned until Jan. 22, as was Raddi's, at which time trial dates will be set.