IIO Update January 14, 2016
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
This update includes new cases (since last update Dec 11) under investigation where serious harm and a connection to the actions of police is being investigated and updates to those cases where jurisdiction has been released. The Chief Civilian Director (CCD) will release jurisdiction if the preliminary steps of an investigation does not establish serious harm or a connection to police.
New Investigations
These are new cases where the IIO was notified and an investigation is underway. The preliminary step of every investigation is to establish if there is serious harm or a connection between the injuries and the actions of the police.
IIO 2016-003 Whistler RCMP (serious harm)
On January 3, 2016 at approximately 11:31 a.m. Whistler RCMP officers responded to a complaint of a male causing a disturbance at a private residence. Officers located the complainant and the subject of the complaint and a struggle ensued. The female complainant was injured and transferred to hospital.
IIO 2016-004 Vancouver Police Department (death)
On January 4, 2016 at approximately 9 p.m. VPD officers were responding to a call of a female in distress. The female was found deceased shortly after coming into contact with police. The investigation is to determine if there is a connection between the death and the actions or inactions of police.
IIO 2016-005 Nelson Police Department (death)
On January 7, 2016 at approximately 1:20 p.m. Nelson Police Department received a call of a male in distress. Officers attended the scene and the affected person was transferred to hospital with serious injuries and subsequently died. The preliminary steps of the investigation will be to determine if there is a connection between the death and the actions or inactions of police.
Jurisdiction Released
These are cases where the Chief Civilian Director has released jurisdiction in the absence of a connection or serious harm.
IIO 15-149 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)
IIO 15-150 Nanaimo RCMP (no serious harm)
IIO 15-163 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)
IIO 15-164 Fort St James RCMP (no serious harm)
Reports to the Criminal Justice Branch
These are cases where the Chief Civilian Director found that an offence may have been committed and as a result he is obliged under the Police Act to refer the file to the Criminal Justice Branch.
IIO 2015-057 Coquitlam RCMP (serious harm)
IIO 2014-186 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
IIO 2014-179 Surrey RCMP (serious harm)
Decisions by the CCD
IIO 2015-084 RCMP (death)
The CCD has reviewed the investigation and determined that no officer committed an offence. Due to privacy concerns, the CCD had decided that the details of the decision will not be public.
Marten Youssef
Manager, Strategic Communications