IIO Concludes Investigation into an Incident in Saanich (2021-066)
Case: 2021-066 Incident Date: March 16, 2021 Agency: Municipal Location: Saanich Detachment: Victoria Police Department Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has concluded an investigation into an incident in Saanich.
As indicated in the IIO’s previous release, on March 14, 2021, a man was arrested without incident and lodged in Victoria Police Department cells. On March 15, he was transferred to the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) where he was found unresponsive on March 16 at approximately 8:10 a.m.
Video evidence provides a record of the man’s movements while he was in police custody. He is seen to be uninjured, shows no significant signs of illness or impairment, and does not request medical attention. Medical evidence confirms that the man’s current state was caused by circumstances unrelated to his detention in police cells.
The CCD has reviewed the evidence and determined that the care and supervision of the man while in police custody were appropriate. There are therefore no reasonable grounds to believe that any officer has committed an offence.
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.