A report recently released by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (Commission) has revealed a perception of RCMP bias against aboriginal people throughout northern B.C.
Commission investigators reviewed over 100,000 pages of documentation, including RCMP occurrence reports, policies and procedures. Numerous interviews were also conducted with community members, human rights and civil liberties organizations, and RCMP members, in 21 communities in northern British Columbia.
“The Commission’s investigation did not result in findings of systemic misconduct by RCMP members in northern British Columbia; it did, however, find several policy and reporting weaknesses, issues with policy compliance by members, and the need for more robust training and supervision,” said Ian McPhail, chairperson of the Commission.
The report also stated that police in northern B.C. were not investigating missing persons “promptly and thoroughly.” In addition, the community engagement carried out by the Commission revealed a lack of trust in the RCMP in communities throughout the region.
The Commission’s report makes 45 findings and 31 recommendations aimed at enhancing RCMP transparency and accountability through improved policies, procedures, and training, enhanced supervisory review, and better reporting.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said he was disappointed with the report.
“We are deeply disappointed that this report completely avoids any examination of allegations of systemic racism against indigenous people by the police in northern British Columbia,” he said. “This is a tragic fact of life that First Nations people have to live with every day, many of whom have their rights violated by police repeatedly.”
The investigation into policing in northern B.C. was launched in 2013 after individuals and various human rights and civil liberties organizations raised concerns.
“These problems are not insignificant, as they directly affect RCMP accountability,” said McPhail.
Engagement activities also highlighted a lack of public awareness of the Commission, its role and the public complaint process.
“The Commission has recognized the need to build more effective relationships with communities served by the RCMP,” said McPhail. “In an effort to do so, we have opened an office in British Columbia to enhance the Commission’s presence, increase public awareness of our role, and ensure that we are positioned to respond to public concerns and complaints about RCMP policing in British Columbia, particularly with respect to indigenous peoples and communities.”
McPhail added that a closer relationship with communities will assist the Commission in detecting trends and systemic problems.
“By raising awareness of the Commission and its mandate, and taking a more direct involvement in the investigation of public complaints, we hope to improve public confidence in both the RCMP and the public complaint process.”
The Commission is an independent agency, distinct and independent from the RCMP, created by Parliament to ensure that public complaints made about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially.
