Community & Stakeholder Outreach

The IIO investigates when police are involved, and someone is seriously harmed or killed in British Columbia. The IIO’s role is to investigate the police, not civilians. The IIO determines whether an injury is serious harm, not the police. The IIO is also committed to increasing public confidence in our police oversight investigations.

The IIO is led by a person who has never been a police officer and is committed to ensuring that everyone across our province knows who we are, what we do and why. We believe that the best way to inform people about our work is to meet with them. The IIO meets with First Nations communities, advocacy groups, academic institutions, non-profit organizations and first responders as well as police agencies. Our Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement Plan commits us to meeting with as many different groups as possible across the province.

IIO investigators are peace officers, which means they have all the necessary powers to criminally investigate the police. This includes, when necessary, being able to seize property and exercise search warrants, but only when required in the course of their duties.

Our outreach engagement goals are:

  • To promote understanding of the IIO’s mandate and role in police oversight;
  • To encourage potential witnesses to speak and engage with the IIO;
  • To develop and strengthen strategic relationships; and
  • To increase public awareness and address misconceptions

Our objectives support the IIO’s organizational goals of investigative excellence, timeliness and relationships, as outlined in the IIO’s 2022/25 Strategic Plan.

We are always looking for opportunities to engage in discussion, consultation and public education across BC and with the diverse population we serve. If you see an opportunity for the IIO to engage with your community, please let us know.

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