IIO Team Deployed to Penticton
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Sept. 26, 2012
SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that a team of investigators has been deployed to an officer-involved incident 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 police, the female jumped from a residential balcony and sustained serious injuries. She is currently hospitalized in the Lower Mainland. The incident was reported to the IIO by RCMP on Sept. 25, 2012.
On Sept. 26, 2012, a team of five IIO investigators was deployed to the Penticton area. Once there, they will meet with the designated RCMP liaison officer and conduct preliminary investigative activities. Additional IIO investigators including the Manager, Affected Persons will conduct any follow up required in the Lower Mainland.
The IIO and the involved police service (RCMP Penticton) will work within the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the Chief Civilian Director and B.C.’s police services in July, 2012.
Once the IIO investigation is completed, the Chief Civilian Director will determine if he believes an offence may have taken place. If yes, he will refer the case to Crown counsel. If there is no report made to Crown counsel, the Chief Civilian Director will release a public report relating to the IIO investigation and his findings. The intent behind releasing this type of public report is that any reasonable member of the public reading the report would understand why the Chief Civilian Director did not make a report to Crown counsel.
As set by the Chief Civilian Director, the IIO’s goals are to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations and ensure transparency through public reporting.
Learn More:
Independent Investigations Office website: http://www.iiobc.ca/
Contact:
Owen Court
Senior Manager, Strategic Projects and Public Engagement
Independent Investigations Office of BC
604 788-1600