B.C. government announces plan to form civilian unit that can investigate police
A new civilian-led unit will be created that can criminally investigate police officers in B.C., says the province.
Attorney General Michael de Jong announced the plan today (June 18) following the release of findings from an inquiry into the RCMP-involved death of Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver International Airport.
Establishment of such an investigative body is a main recommendation in inquiry commissioner Thomas Braidwood’s 460-page report.
Over the next 12 months, de Jong said, the so-called Independent Investigation Office will be created. The office will have legal authority in B.C. to examine cases of death, serious harm, or other potential criminal activity that involves either the RCMP or municipal police forces.
“I don’t think there’s any question that what everyone wants here is to ensure that an independent investigative unit is in place that can draw on the best available trained personnel,” de Jong told reporters.
Braidwood, a retired B.C. Court of Appeal justice, noted the public backlash that erupted because the RCMP conducted the criminal investigation into the death of Dziekanski, 40, who was hit multiple times with a Taser and subdued during the tragic October 2007 incident.
“Many members of the public are understandably suspicious when the police investigate themselves, regardless of how thorough and impartial the investigation turns out to be,” Braidwood said in prepared remarks during a news conference in Vancouver.
Braidwood also recommended permitting a five-year transition period during which the unit could have former police officers as members, with some restrictions.
The RCMP today acknowledged the need for public trust.
“We welcome Commissioner Braidwood’s conclusions concerning the importance of thorough independent investigations of police-related incidents,” RCMP Commissioner William Elliott said in a statement.
The Independent Investigation Office will be:
”¢ “Accountable to the Ministry of Attorney General”
”¢ “Led by a civilian who has never served as a police officer in Canada”
”¢ “Have its powers entrenched in legislation”
”¢ “Have a mandate to conduct criminal investigations into police-related incidents involving death or serious harm, with discretion to do other investigations”
Comments
3 Comments
RECALL
Jun 19, 2010 at 10:34am
No BC Liberal donors on the board please.
Coroner
Jun 19, 2010 at 1:08pm
This is a crucial first step towards accountability. We also need to ensure independence in cause of death investigations.
For 30 out of 32 years we've had a former policemen as chief coroners. Establishing a medical training requirement for all coroners or moving to a medical examiner system would go a long way towards achieving more independence.
In addition, we should re-establish automatic coroner's inquests into deaths in custody. The Liberals changed the law in March to give discretion to the chief coroner.
glen p robbins
Jun 21, 2010 at 1:38pm
We will vigourously research anyone that minister de Jong appoints to anything including partial civilian oversight. Mr. de Jong should not be taking any action whatsover -- until he removes himself from the Solicitor General's position as well.
Let' be serious here -- there is no credibility with this government to make any decision--//Civilian oversight of all professional groups in BC should begin once the BC Liberals are out of government. A fresh step -- new concepts -- not props and excuses to keep a dying government alive for one more month or two.