Military police took over six hours to conduct a well-being check on a defense intelligence analyst in Ottawa after his wife alerted them due to concerns for his safety, as per newly revealed evidence. The suicide of Master Cpl. Shaun Orton in 2024 is being examined in a rare public inquiry by Canada’s military police oversight body, the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC). The focus is on the seriousness of the allegations and potential systemic issues regarding the handling of mental health calls by military police.
Upon discovering Orton hanging, military police did not administer CPR, deeming it too late to be effective. Ottawa police arrived shortly after, attempted resuscitation, but Orton was later pronounced dead in the hospital. Orton’s wife, Sarah, criticized the military police for a delayed and insufficient response, citing a military police directive that emphasizes the preservation of life unless death is unmistakable.
During the MPCC hearing, it was mentioned that the military police sergeant’s actions were influenced by institutional limitations, including staffing shortages and unclear directives regarding well-being checks. The MPCC is tasked with determining if any misconduct occurred and recommending enhancements to military policing in Canada.
In transcripts, Sarah Orton requested a wellness check on her husband, expressing concerns over his distressing messages. Despite being separated, she stayed in contact with him and sought help when he became unresponsive. Challenges arose when she couldn’t reach anyone from her husband’s unit or other numbers provided by military police.
Sarah Orton’s persistence led Ottawa police to intervene, prompting a belated response from military police. However, by the time they arrived at Orton’s residence, it was too late to save him. The MPCC hearing is ongoing, with discussions centering on the adequacy of responses to mental health crises and the need for clearer protocols in such situations.