Civilian office
An independent, civilian-led office will conduct criminal investigations of all serious incidents involving police in BC, ending the practice of police investigating other police.
BC’s Solicitor-General Shirley Bond introduced legislation on May 17 that creates an Independent Investigations Office that will probe incidents involving both the RCMP and all independent municipal forces in the province.
The legislation fulfills a central recommendation of the Braidwood Commission, which examined the 2007 death of Robert Dziekanski, who died after RCMP officers stunned him with a Taser several times at Vancouver airport. Justice Thomas Braidwood recommended that BC develop a civilian-based criminal investigative body and suggested it should be named the Independent Investigation Office.
“Justice Braidwood said that the most important weapon in the arsenal of the police is public support,” said Bond. “The government agrees, as do the police in BC, who have endorsed an independent agency to do these difficult investigations.”
A civilian who has never been a police officer will lead the office. It will conduct criminal investigations into police-related incidents involving death or serious harm and will be able to do investigations involving other serious incidents.
“It is critical that British Columbians have confidence in our police and that the police are accountable to them,” said Premier Christy Clark. “This legislation is an historic step for policing in BC and will strengthen public faith in the dedicated officers who work so hard to keep our families safe.”
The province is assessing the office’s location, budget and staffing requirements and expects it to be operational by the end of 2011.
Blues funds
City of Powell River council has approved a $5,000 contribution to the Powell River Blues Festival. Council voted at a special meeting on May 10 to contribute $2,500 in cash, from the council operating account, and $2,500 in services, funded from the public works operating account. The in-kind services include bus passes, extra bus runs, bleachers, fencing and signage.
The first annual 2011 Powell River Blues Festival will be held from June 3 to 5 at the Beach Gardens Resort and Marina. Interested readers can find more information at www.powellriverblues2011.com.
