Police say something “went wrong” when a youth managed to get a gun into a cell at the Thompson RCMP detachment after a search failed to find it on him.

The incident happened on Dec. 14, 2024. Cleaning staff found the gun behind the toilet in the cell two days later, while the male was being taken to court. Ammunition was later found in the toilet bowl, police said in a written statement last week.

“We recognize the seriousness of this incident,” Supt. Chris Massart, Manitoba RCMP’s north district commander, said in the statement emailed to CBC News. 

“This security breach was treated with the highest level of concern because of the potential danger it presented.”

Officers had arrested the youth on weapons-related charges arising from an assault with a machete. RCMP say the youth was then charged with additional firearms offences.

CBC News was recently notified about the incident by someone concerned about the RCMP’s handling of it. Police say it was promptly reported to management of both the detachment and the district, who ordered an immediate review.

Video footage reviewed

“The review included an analysis of video footage, interviews with detachment staff and an examination of police documentation and databases,” the RCMP statement said.

The review found an officer searched the youth before putting him in the cell, but “the quality of the search was insufficient and the firearm was not located,” RCMP said.

The youth was the only occupant of the cell before the gun was discovered, and RCMP said the firearm “was never used or displayed in a threatening manner towards anyone during the youth’s time in custody.”

RCMP say a “comprehensive administrative review” resulted in recommendations being implemented to reduce the risk of similar incidents happening.

That included a requirement that all Thompson RCMP officers review policies on the proper care and handling of prisoners. The reviews are to be done when officers first arrive at the Thompson detachment and every six months afterward.

“The RCMP acted decisively to examine what went wrong, reinforce expectations, and implement corrective measures to ensure the safety of our employees, the public, and those in our care,” Massart said in the statement.

RCMP declined to say whether the officer was disciplined for failing to find the gun during the search, stating more details can’t be provided because it’s a human resources matter.

“The officer involved was provided with operational guidance and a performance review was completed,” RCMP said.