IIO Concludes Officer-Involved Case in Penticton

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Nov.13, 2012

SURREY – The Chief Civilian Director has determined there are no grounds to take further action in the attempted suicide in Penticton.

On Sept. 21, 2012, RCMP officers in Penticton responded to a 911 call concerning an adult female in emotional distress. While engaged with the police, the female jumped from a residential balcony and sustained serious injuries.

The IIO was not notified until Sept. 25, 2012 when the RCMP determined the matter was reportable to the IIO.

On Sept. 26, 2012, a team of IIO investigators was deployed to the Penticton area. Investigative activities included interviews, scene examination and neighbourhood canvassing. Once completed, the investigation report was submitted to the Chief Civilian Director (CCD).

Upon review, the CCD concluded that there was no reason to believe that there was any connection between an officer’s actions and the affected person’s decision to jump from the balcony. As such, no further action will be taken by the IIO.

Chief Civilian Director, Richard Rosenthal, has committed to the release of public reports relating to IIO investigations and his findings when cases are closed without a report to Crown counsel. Such reports will allow the public to understand the rationale for why a report to Crown counsel was not made.

In this case, however, since there was no finding of any connection between an officer’s action and the injuries that were sustained, no public report will be issued.

Learn More:
Independent Investigations Office website: http://www.iiobc.ca/

Contact:
Owen Court
Independent Investigations Office of BC
778 988-1041