Reserve Police force won't work says RCMP veteran

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And 18 year RCMP veteran now working in Cardston says a Blood Tribe police force will not work.

"Right now, there's no cooperation, no dedication and no commitment," said Cpl. Alfred Rudd at the Rolf inquiry Wednesday.

"They really don't know what a police force is."

He said the band would be better off continuing the way it is.

"A combination of RCMP and tribal police is the most effective (policing method)," said Rudd.

He added he's told Blood Police Chief Liz Scout the same thing "and she's in agreeance with me."

Rudd, who has been at the Cardston detachment, about 90 km southwest of Lethbridge, since May 1981, said Scout has done a great job organizing this attempt to revive a

reserve police jurisdiction, but has not received any support from chief and council.

"She's never received any support whatsoever from the administration. Liz had to put up with a lot."

Rudd expects this attempt for a police force will fall flat as it has many times before - as he as witnessed.

"I see history repeating itself."

There are some Blood police members receiving training in Cardston preparing them for the change to Blood's control Jan. 1, 1990.

Rudd said he has spoken to some about it and they're worried about handling police work by themselves.

The members of the Blood police force were trained by the provincial solicitor general's office.

Rudd was testifying before Judge Carl Rolf about the death of 59 year old Mike Eagle Bear, who died from head injuries in 1983.

Rudd has worked his career in Alberta including Strathmore, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail and Calgary.

Blood band lawyer Chris Evans said he would not cross-examine Rudd on his comments of Blood policing until he has had time to question others involved.