IIO Concludes Investigation into Incident in Vernon (2019-128)
Case: 2019-128 Incident Date: July 24, 2019 Agency: RCMP Location: Vernon Detachment: Vernon Incident Classification: Serious Harm Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportInformation Bulletin
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Posting
Surrey. B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. has concluded its investigation into a police-involved incident in Vernon.
RCMP reported on July 25, 2019 that a female had been arrested the previous day and had been held in cells overnight prior to a court appearance. The female spoke with RCMP officers and sheriff’s late morning while in a cell in preparation for court.
They further reported that shortly after the female was seen to be in medical distress in the cell. Emergency Health Services was called, and the individual was transported to hospital.
The IIO gathered evidence indicating that it was the female’s own actions while in custody that precipitated the medical event which without intervention of the guard and officers on duty could have resulted in her death. Medical intervention was provided and after a short stay in hospital, the female was released without injury.
The Police Act requires the IIO to investigate incidents where there is serious harm or death as a result of police action. Our investigation has determined that the female’s medical event did not arise from the actions of police. As a result, the investigation is being concluded at this point.
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.