IIO to assume jurisdiction of Creston Investigation

Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Oct. 19, 2012

INFORMATION BULLETIN

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that it will investigate an officer-involved incident that took place in Creston on Oct. 6, 2012.

At approximately 01:00 hours (1 A.M.), Creston RCMP attended a local business in response to a complaint. While police were dealing with the situation, an adult male became involved and a physical altercation ensued. This resulted in the male sustaining injuries to his face and ribs. He was transported to a medical facility and was provided medical care.

The IIO was notified and after an initial assessment of the information, determined that the injuries did not fall within the statutory definition of “serious harm” and jurisdiction was not asserted. As such, the RCMP asked the Delta Police Department to conduct an external investigation.

Subsequent to the initial notification, the IIO received additional information related to the incident and to the level of medical intervention that the affected person required. After careful consideration of this information, the IIO’s Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal decided it was in the public interest to assert jurisdiction regardless of the ultimate determination of the level of injury.

The IIO will assume control of the investigation into the actions of the RCMP officer, while the Delta Police Department will conduct a concurrent investigation into any matters related to the affected person. The IIO acknowledges the extensive work completed by the Delta Police Department in the initial stages of this investigation.

The IIO and the involved police service (RCMP Creston) are expected to work co-operatively 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. The MOU provides for those circumstances where concurrent investigations are underway.

Once the IIO investigation is completed, the Chief Civilian Director will determine if he believes an offence may have taken place and if so, will 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
Owen.Court@iiobc.ca
604 788-1600