Alleged misconduct at B.C. police training under OPCC review
Posted June 13, 2022 12:58 pm.
Last Updated June 13, 2022 12:59 pm.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) in B.C. has launched an investigation into the conduct of more than a dozen police officers who attended a recent training course, over allegations of misconduct.
The OPPC confirms it is looking into the conduct of “19 police officers from the Abbotsford Police Department, Vancouver Police Department, New Westminster Police Department, Delta Police Department, Surrey Police Service, Saanich Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police and Victoria Police Department.”
The allegations stem from actions during a BC Municipal Undercover Training Course on May 2, 2022.
“The actions of some municipal police officers while performing various physical acts and activities in some of the scenarios, caused concern that their actions could be defined as potential misconduct under the Police Act,” the OPCC stated.
“The nature of the allegations includes serious and concerning conduct performed in front of course supervisors and other course participants.”
The OPCC adds the investigation will look into the conduct of officers who were candidates as well as those in “supervisory positions.” It says Chief Const. John Lo of the West Vancouver Police Department has been named as the “Discipline Authority.”
The office says given how many municipal agencies are involved, as well as the “serious nature of the alleged misconduct,” it is asking the public safety minister to appoint at least one Special Provincial Constable to conduct an independent investigation.
“The Independent Investigations Unit (IIU) of Manitoba has been identified as the investigating agency and arrangements between the provinces are being finalized.”
Read more: ‘Disgusting, appalling’: Claims of serious misconduct at B.C. police training under review
Calling the allegations of misconduct “serious,” OPCC Oversight Operations Director Cameron J.R. Loveless said in a statement to CityNews on May 31, “the information was reported to us by the municipal Chiefs of Police who … provided a formal request that an investigation under the Police Act be initiated.”
In a statement that same day, B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety confirmed it was aware of the allegations.
“These alleged actions, if proven, are disgusting, appalling and totally unacceptable,” the statement reads in part.
“As Minister, my expectation is that a thorough investigation will take place expeditiously,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth’s statement adds.
RCMP Director in Charge Dawn Roberts has said no RCMP candidates took the course, as training for undercover Mounties is done through the RCMP.
“I can confirm that there is no RCMP internal or outside agency investigation dealing with any allegations against a RCMP employee or employees related to the BC Municipal Undercover course or the concerns being reported on,” Roberts said on May 31.
However, the RCMP sometimes provides guest lecturers to assist other agencies in training.
“We were scheduled to assist on the course being reported on, but I can’t provide any other details or specifics out of respect for the privacy of those involved and the processes underway,” Roberts said.
