Injuries in July 12 Vancouver Incident Do Not Meet Threshold for Serious Harm
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC will not be investigating a recent incident that occurred in Vancouver.
Information provided by the Vancouver Police Department indicates that on the evening of July 12, 2021, police responded to an altercation near West 12th Avenue and Spruce Street. When police arrived, they located two injured men, and a conducted energy weapon (CEW, or Taser) and less lethal range weapon were used to bring one of the men into custody.
Emergency Health Services were called and transported both men to the hospital for treatment.
The Chief Civilian Director has determined that the majority of the injuries sustained by both men occurred prior to police attendance. One man was arrested and sustained some injuries during the arrest. However, they do not meet the IIO’s mandated threshold for serious harm as defined by the Police Act. The IIO will therefore not launch an investigation.
Background
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.