Hay River (Dec 20/04) - Harvey Werner, a well-known but controversial figure in Hay River, is demanding a public inquiry into his arrest by RCMP officers, who he claims used excessive force.

Werner was arrested in the lobby of the Hay River Court House as he attempted to enter a court room, Nov. 23.

RCMP have said they will investigate his complaint, although they've made no mention of a public inquiry.

"Your allegations of being assaulted and that excessive force was used by those members in attendance to effect your arrest are noted and will be a subject of the investigation," wrote Staff Sgt. Bob Gray in a letter he personally-delivered to Werner, Dec. 16.

Gray will conduct the investigation himself.

After his arrest, Werner was charged with assaulting a peace officer, causing a disturbance and breach of probation.

The 62-year-old denies he assaulted anyone or caused a disturbance after being refused entry to the court room by a sheriff.

He was arrested by four RCMP officers and dragged from the building.

Werner is not impressed with Gray's commitment to an investigation, noting he has also taken the issue to the RCMP's Public Complaints Commission.

"I want to have a public inquiry of the whole issue," he says.

In fact, Werner says he took his complaint to Gray several times, but was dismissed from the staff sergeant's office each time.

Gray, who is district commander for the South Slave, admitted that happened, explaining he was in error on the procedure for public complaints. Since then, he has been directed by 'G' Division headquarters on proper procedure.

Gray says he is now waiting for Werner to provide a statement.

The staff sergeant could not say how long the investigation will take.

"Until I know what he's complaining about, I can't investigate anything, really," says Gray.

A copy of his findings will be sent to the commission.

Meanwhile, Werner wants the officers involved in the incident suspended until the investigation is complete.

"Until they're cleared, they shouldn't be out in the public," says Werner.

However, Gray says that is not going to happen.

"There are no suspensions being considered," he said.

"Mr. Werner will not dictate to me what's going to take place or how I will conduct my investigation."

Werner will appear in court Jan. 10.