Good day, Mr. Copeland.
You're suggesting that sections 25.1 to 25.4 are different. Sections 25(1)(a) and 25(1)(c) refer to a private person assisting a police officer, not just to police officers. You consistently bring the conversation around to police officers. Yet, sections 25(1)(a) and 25(1)(c) clearly refer to someone authorized to do something, and I quote:
(a) as a private person; and
(c) in aid of a peace officer [...]
Therefore, sections 25.1 to 25.4 could apply to me, a private person. Sections 25.1 to 25.4 protect the average citizen who has an obligation at all times to prevent the commission of a criminal act. For instance, if someone breaks into my home and I'm forced to get into a fight with that person, I could potentially hit him with a baseball bat. Under the circumstances, I'd like to be protected by the legislation. That's my first point.
Secondly, have you given any thought to following Quebec's lead? In that province, when someone is dissatisfied with the behaviour of a law enforcement officer, that person can file an ethical conduct complaint against him. This goes much further than the provisions of sections 25.1 to 25.4. The problem is addressed by invoking Quebec's code of ethical conduct which has been in place for at least 20 years. There is no need even to invoke the provisions of the Criminal Code. This approach is direct, easy and quick and the rulings are far more interesting than those handed down under the Criminal Code, for some rather unusual reason.
Are you calling for an amendment strictly because of law enforcement officers or because you want to prevent anyone who may have witnessed a criminal act from benefiting from sections 25.1 to 25.4?