IIO Update September 4, 2015
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
This update includes those new cases under investigation (where serious harm/death and nexus has been confirmed); those cases under preliminary investigation (where serious harm or nexus remains unconfirmed); and updates to those cases where jurisdiction has been released.
The Chief Civilian Director will sustain jurisdiction if serious harm/death AND a nexus or relationship between the injury and an officer’s action are confirmed.
If the preliminary investigation does not establish serious harm and nexus, the Chief Civilian Director will release all jurisdiction.
New Investigations: Jurisdiction Sustained
These are new cases where the Acting Chief Civilian Director has sustained jurisdiction and a full investigation is underway (since last update Aug 20).
- IIO 15-111 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
On July 25, 2015, officers responded to a complaint related to an alleged stolen vehicle. According to police, officers located the vehicle and two occupants. When the two affected persons did not comply with officers’ directions, police service dogs were deployed. The affected persons received serious dog bite injuries and were transported for treatment.
- IIO 15-117 Smithers RCMP (serious harm)
On August 15, 2015, officers were responding to a complaint related to an assault. Officers located the male affected person suspected of the assault. According to police, an altercation took place while the affected person was being taken into custody. He received injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
- IIO 15-118 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
On August 16, 2015, officers responded to a complaint related to a male in emotional and potentially medical distress. Once officers located the male affected person, they attempted to take him into custody. The male received injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.
- IIO 15-119 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
On August 17, 2015, officers responded to a call to assist the Vancouver Fire Department. According to police, a male was obstructing firefighters as they attempted to deal with a fire. An altercation ensued between the police officer and the affected person. The affected person received injuries and was treated at hospital.
In all of these cases, the IIO was notified, jurisdiction was sustained and a full investigation is underway.
Preliminary investigations: pending jurisdiction decisions
These are cases where the IIO has been notified by the police and are still under preliminary investigation.
IIO 15-083 Surrey RCMP (serious harm)
IIO 15-088 Prince George RCMP (serious harm)
IIO 15-102 Prince George RCMP (serious harm)
Jurisdiction released
These are cases where the Acting Chief Civilian Director has released jurisdiction in the absence of a nexus or serious harm.
IIO 15-085 Chetwynd RCMP – (no serious harm)
IIO 15-097 Burnaby RCMP (no serious harm)
IIO 15-103 Masset RCMP (no nexus)
IIO 15-115 Abbotsford Police Department (no serious harm)
IIO 15-121 Vancouver Police Department (no serious harm)
IIO 15-123 White Rock RCMP (no nexus)
Reports to the Criminal Justice Branch
These are cases where the Acting 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 14-99 Burnaby RCMP (death)
IIO 14-104 Vancouver Police Department (serious harm)
Public Reports
Public reports are issued upon the conclusion of an investigation when the Acting Chief Civilian Director determines that no officer committed an offence.
IIO 14-143 New Westminster – (serious harm)
IIO 14-221 Vancouver Police Department – (serious harm)
Marten Youssef
Manager, Strategic Communications