Criminologist Urges Mandatory Risk Assessments for Patients Following Quebec Police Officer’s Death

Risk assessments should be mandatory before Quebec’s mental health review board decides whether a patient is released into society, a criminologist told a coroner’s inquest on Mar. 19.

Josée Rioux emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive risk assessment in cases like that of Isaac Brouillard Lessard, a 35-year-old who tragically stabbed a provincial police sergeant to death on March 27, 2023.

Inadequate assessment was evident as the police were dispatched to arrest him on prior charges when the fatal incident occurred in Louiseville, Que.

Ms. Rioux, president of the provincial order of criminologists, presented several recommendations to the inquest, which is investigating the tragic deaths of Sgt. Breau and Mr. Brouillard Lessard.

The inquiry revealed Mr. Brouillard Lessard’s history of being found not criminally responsible due to mental illness and his interactions with the mental health review board.

Moreover, the inquiry highlighted the lack of proper monitoring and evaluation during his release into society.

Ms. Rioux stressed the insufficiency of monitoring patients under the authority of the mental health review board compared to those on parole.

She recommended that all patients be evaluated for potential risk during board hearings and that professionals establish guidelines for their supervision.

Currently, only a psychiatrist’s report is required during mental health reviews, which she found inadequate in assessing the release of potentially dangerous patients.

Ms. Rioux advocated for interdisciplinary teams to manage mental health cases, including criminologists and forensic psychiatrists for comprehensive care.

She urged for better information sharing among involved parties to ensure the safety of the community and patients.

The inquiry is set to conclude on Mar. 21, as decided by Coroner Géhane Kamel.