Annual Report 2002
MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE
In Memory of Thomas G. Flanagan S. C.

A Tribute to Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C.

For all of us at the Military Police Complaints Commission, the year 2002 was marked with sadness by the sudden death of Commission member Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C., in November.

Mr. Flanagan was named a part-time member of the Military Police Complaints Commission in July of 1999, and his contributions in the months leading up to the formal coming into force of the Commission’s mandate in December of that year were truly exceptional. Mr. Flanagan’s unfailing good humour, always welcome, was a special gift to us in those sometimes trying early days. That the agency was as effective as it was from the very beginning of its mandate is very much a reflection of the wisdom, dedication and distinction with which he served the Commission.

Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C., was born, raised and educated in Ottawa. He joined the Ottawa Police Service in 1951, retiring from active duty as Chief of Police in March 1993. He was twice decorated for bravery during his career, receiving the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct in 1958, and the Star of Courage in 1979. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the Ottawa Police Services, the City of Ottawa marked his retirement by re-naming the Ottawa Police headquarters the Thomas G. Flanagan Building.

He was a life member of the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Chiefs of Police, an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a former member of the Board of the Ottawa University Centre of Criminology. In addition to raising four sons and a daughter with his late wife Alma, Mr. Flanagan also found time to co-found Operation Go Home, which has grown into a national social service organization dedicated to re-uniting runaway teenagers with their families. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Community Service Order Committee.

Mr. Flanagan’s contributions did not end with his retirement. At the request of the Ottawa Police Services Board, Mr. Flanagan was sworn in as a special advisor to the Board, serving in that capacity until December 31, 1993. Mr. Flanagan also acted as special advisor to Beretta USA Corporation on law enforcement and criminal justice, and was an associate with Price Waterhouse Management Consultants.

Throughout his career as a police officer, Mr. Flanagan was known as an outstanding officer and a tenacious investigator, but above all, he is remembered for the respect he held for all citizens, regardless of their station in life.

Mr. Flanagan believed firmly that police should reach out to and work with the community. He was a strong supporter of the benefits of civilian oversight of law enforcement but, at the same time, there could be no more staunch defender of police when he felt his officers were criticised unjustly. It is a mark of his respect and abiding love for police work that three of his five children have followed in his footsteps, and are police officers themselves.

His broad experience in police work was of invaluable benefit to the Military Police Complaints Commission, and we continue to feel the loss of his wise counsel. Much more than a colleague, we miss our very dear friend.

It is with sincere thanks that we respectfully dedicate this Annual Report to the memory of Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C. and to his family.

C H A I R P E R S O N / P R É S I D E N T E

March 31, 2003

The Honourable John McCallum, P.C., M.P.
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
MGen George R. Pearkes Building
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2

Dear Minister:

In accordance with section 250.17(1) of the National Defence Act, I am pleased to submit the Annual Report 2002: Meeting the Challenge of Change, of the Military Police Complaints Commission for tabling in Parliament.

This Annual Report offers an overview of the Commission’s activities for the year, including summaries of a number of cases I believe give a measure of insight and understanding of the role the Commission was created to play.

The year 2002 marks the Commission’s third full year in existence, and it has been an eventful one in many areas, marked with challenge and change. We have begun implementation of the principles of modern comptrollership and have developed a strategic plan for the organization. The Commission’s Web site (www.mpcc-cppm.gc.ca) is fully functional, and we have extended our education and outreach program to include the publication of the Commission’s first “Special Report,” an initiative we intend to continue on an annual basis.

We welcomed three new members to the Commission, Mr. Peter Seheult, Mr. Odilon Emond and Mr. Henry Kostuck. However, as you know, it is with sadness that I must also report the loss of Commission member Mr. Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C., who passed away suddenly in November 2002. Mr. Flanagan was a dedicated colleague and a trusted friend and, as a small measure of thanks for his outstanding contribution and comradeship, we dedicate this Annual Report to his memory.

On behalf of all of us at the Military Police Complaints Commission, I hope you will find this report both interesting and informative.

Yours truly,

Louise Cobetto
Chairperson

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON