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BC Police Oversight Expands to Systemic Investigations
19 Nov
Summary
- BC's police watchdog expands mandate to include systemic investigations.
- Oversight body saw a five percent increase in files last fiscal year.
- Body cameras expected to reduce complaint investigations' complexity.
British Columbia's Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner is enhancing its oversight capabilities by introducing systemic investigations. This strategic shift aims to address underlying issues in law enforcement, rather than solely focusing on isolated incidents of misconduct. The commissioner believes this approach will foster greater public confidence and reduce future complaints.
Last fiscal year, the office managed a five percent increase in case files, a trend partly attributed to the expansion of the Surrey Police Service. Commissioner Prabhu Rajan highlighted the importance of examining issues 'upstream' from individual cases, drawing on his experience in systemic investigations. He noted that improvements like the wider adoption of police-worn body cameras are expected to aid investigators by providing objective evidence, potentially shortening investigations and simplifying complex cases.
The report indicated a decrease in injuries from less-lethal weapons, while complaint resolution processes saw an 89 percent increase in settlements. The commissioner emphasized the office's role as a neutral, independent body, particularly to marginalized and Indigenous communities. Recommendations were also made to the Vancouver Police Board, including addressing unauthorized patches worn by officers, leading to policy updates and training within the department.
