Publication Group: Annual Reports

IIO 2015-2016 Annual Report

Message from the current Chief Civilian Director of the IIO
Bert Phipps 

November 7, 2016

The annual report of the Independent Investigations Office for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2016 is available below.

I was appointed as the interim Chief Civilian Director (CCD) of the IIO in September 2016 and will remain in the position until a permanent CCD is selected. My goal during this time is to enhance the capacity of the IIO to deliver timely, highly competent investigations. At the same time my focus will be on bridging gaps with stakeholders through a respectful dialogue based on trust and recognition of the challenging and important mandate of the IIO.

Since taking on this role, I have engaged with stakeholders on the concerns outlined by the previous CCD in his final annual report. Some progress has been made on those issues and I am certain that through dialogue we will be able to achieve more. In recent weeks I have met with mayors, city councils, Provincial Government representatives, various chiefs of police, RCMP management, the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP. I am also consulting with members of IIO’s External Advisory Group which includes civil society groups, First Nations leadership, Police Board members and families of persons affected by police actions. Those with whom I’ve met have all affirmed their commitment to work with the IIO to contribute to the public’s confidence in policing through the provision of a strong, independent and well-equipped police oversight organization.

As British Columbians look ahead to the future they can be assured that a strong foundation has been built for the IIO to carry out competent, unbiased investigations that serve them well.

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