IIO Concludes Investigation into a January 2023 Incident in Vancouver (2023-023)
Case: 2023-023 Incident Date: January 30, 2023 Agency: Municipal Location: Vancouver Detachment: Vancouver Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded investigation 2023-023 into an incident in Vancouver.
In the morning on January 30, 2023, a man was lodged in Vancouver Police Department cells without incident. Video footage confirms that appropriate checks were completed while the man was detained, and there were no signs of medical distress until about 5:15 p.m. At that time, a jail guard appropriately sought prompt medical assistance for the man, who was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including video footage, medical information, and police records – and determined that neither police actions nor inactions were responsible for the man’s condition. The IIO investigation confirmed that the man did sustain serious harm as defined by the Police Act, but appropriate checks and prompt provision of medical assistance reflect that he received an adequate level of care.
The IIO investigation is now concluded.
Background
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.