IIO Update March 4, 2016

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

This update includes new cases (since last update February 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 and 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 2016-026 Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Section (serious harm)

On February 10, 2016 at 1:19 a.m., New Westminster Police Department and the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Section responded to a complaint of a break and enter in progress. According to police, they located the subject of the complaint who sustained injuries during the arrest.

IIO 2016-029 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)

On January 10, 2016 at 9:47 p.m. VPD officers responded to a call of a possible motor vehicle violation. According to police, the driver tried to evade apprehension, which resulted in him sustaining injuries during the arrest.

IIO 2016-031 Integrated Road Safety Unit (serious harm)

On February 20, 2016 at approximately 11:15 p.m. a member of the RCMP Integrated Road Safety Unit attempted to pull over a motor scooter near Duncan. According to police, the driver of the motor scooter did not stop and a chase ensued. During the pursuit the driver crashed the scooter causing injuries.

IIO 2016-034 Surrey RCMP (serious harm)

On February 21, 2016 at approximately 8:36 p.m. Surrey RCMP observed a cyclist travelling without a helmet or light. According to police, a stop was initiated and the cyclist evaded them. When the cyclist was stopped, police arrested him. During the course of the arrest the cyclist sustained injuries.

IIO 2016-035 Kamloops RCMP (serious harm)

On February 24, 2016 at approximately 6:15 p.m. Kamloops RCMP responded to reports of an attempted carjacking.  According to police, they located the subject of the complaint who was injured and was taken to hospital for treatment.

IIO 2016-036 New Westminster Police Department (serious harm)

On February 22, 2016 at 6:30 p.m., New Westminster Police Department responded to a call of a disturbance. Police located the subject of the call and attempted an arrest. According to police, a struggle ensued which resulted in the subject of the call sustaining injuries.

IIO 2016-040 Surrey RCMP (death)

On March 2, 2016 Surrey RCMP responded to reports of a male causing a disturbance. According to police the male was arrested and subsequently collapsed. The male was transported to hospital where he died.

Jurisdiction Released

These are cases where the Chief Civilian Director has released jurisdiction in the absence of serious harm or a connection between the serious harm and the actions or inactions of police.

IIO 2016-038 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)

IIO 2016-037 Vancouver Police Department (no connection)

IIO 2016-032 North Island RCMP Integrated Road Safety Unit (no connection)

IIO 2016-030 Dawson Creek RCMP (no connection)

IIO 2016-028 Abbotsford Police Department (no serious harm)

IIO 2016-027 Campbell River RCMP (no connection)

IIO 2016-018 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)

IIO 2016-014 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)

IIO 2015-148 Port Alberni 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 2015-031 Sidney RCMP (serious harm)

On February 17, 2015, officers were responding to a complaint involving a youth who was reportedly in breach of conditions. According to the police, the youth (affected person) fled the scene prior to being taken into custody. He was subsequently located and transported to cells. It was later determined he had sustained a serious injury to his leg.

Decisions by the Criminal Justice Branch

In this case CJB has concluded that the available evidence meets the required standard to approve charges. A statement explaining this decision in greater detail is attached.

IIO 2014-176 Terrace RCMP (charge approved)