Editorial

RCMP was negligent in not looking after girls

Not so fast. What were the police doing, letting children walk out the door in the middle of the night? Richmond RCMP Inspector Al MacIntyre said: "Where do we hold them -- in jail?" Perhaps not. But even a cell would have been better than deserted streets.

It wouldn't have been the first time people were held for their own safety. Police are legally entitled to take charge of a child if officers believe the child's health or safety is at risk. The Richmond RCMP did not live up to this responsibility. It should shoulder the blame there.