IIO Update December 11, 2015
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
This update includes those new cases under investigation (where serious harm and a connection to the actions of police has been confirmed); those cases under preliminary investigation (where serious harm or a connection remains unconfirmed); and updates to those cases where jurisdiction has been released.
The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) will sustain jurisdiction if serious harm and a connection between the injury and an officer’s action are confirmed.
If the preliminary investigation does not establish serious harm or a connection to police, the CCD will release jurisdiction.
New Investigations: Jurisdiction Sustained
These are new cases (since last update Nov 13) where the IIO was notified and the CCD has sustained jurisdiction. An investigation is underway.
IIO 15-146 Nanaimo RCMP (serious harm) new
On November 3, 2015 officers with the Nanaimo RCMP were responding to a call of a suicidal male. Officers located the male affected person and in the process of taking him into custody, he received serious injuries. He was transported to Nanaimo General Hospital for treatment.
IIO 15-152 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm) new
On September 21, 2015 VPD officers were responding to a call of break and enter. Officers located the subject of the complaint and in the process of taking the male affected person into custody he received an injury.
Preliminary Investigations
These are cases where the IIO has been notified and are under preliminary investigation to determine if there is a connection between the injury and the action of police.
IIO 15-083 Surrey RCMP (serious harm)
IIO 15-102 Prince George RCMP (serious harm)
IIO 15-148 Port Alberni RCMP (serious harm)
On October 2, 2015 Port Alberni RCMP officers responded to a complaint of a female causing a disturbance at a residence. Officers located the affected person and in the process of her arrest, she suffered serious injuries and required medical treatment.
IIO 15-149 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
On November 6, 2015 officers with the Vancouver Police Department were responding a call of a break and enter. Officers located two men and in the process of arresting one of the men, a police service dog was deployed. The male affected person received a dog bite and required medical intervention.
IIO 15-150 Nanaimo RCMP (serious harm)
On November 6, 2015 officers with the Nanaimo RCMP were responding to a call of a child causing a disturbance. Officers arrived on the scene and while taking the child into custody, he received serious injuries. He was transferred to hospital for treatment.
IIO 15-163 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
On December 1, 2015 VPD officers observed a male affected person allegedly committing a break, enter and theft. In the process of arresting the man, a struggle ensued and a police service dog was deployed. The man was later taken to hospital for his injuries.
IIO 15-164 Fort St James RCMP
On December 8, 2015 officers were responding to a call of an assault complaint. Officers located the two men, and a male who was taken into custody was later reported to have sustained an injury.
Jurisdiction Released
These are cases where the Chief Civilian Director has released jurisdiction in the absence of a connection or serious harm.
IIO 15-145 Terrace RCMP (no connection to police action)
IIO 15-149 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)
IIO 15-155 Qualicum Beach RCMP (no connection to police action)
Clear Statements by the Criminal Justice Branch
In each case the CJB has concluded that the available evidence does not meet the required threshold to approve charges. A Clear Statement explaining these decisions in greater detail is attached.
IIO 14-104 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
Marten Youssef
Manager, Strategic Communications