Mounties in northern BC blasted for poor reporting
Posted February 16, 2017 8:54 am.
Last Updated February 16, 2017 8:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PRINCE GEORGE (NEWS 1130) – Poor reporting by RCMP officers in northern BC makes it impossible to determine whether many missing persons cases were properly investigated. That’s according to an independent watchdog that found several problems with the 35 Mountie detachments in BC’s North District.
Serious record-keeping gaps, policy weaknesses or compliance issues related to police investigations of public intoxication, personal searches and use of force were among the areas of concern listed in the report.
Ian McPhail, who is chairman of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, says there’s a wide belief in northern BC that the Mounties are biased against indigenous people.
“We came to the conclusion as a result of our community engagement that there was a lack of trust and poor confidence in the RCMP on the part of great many of indigenous people.”
Despite the wide belief in northern BC that the Mounties are biased against indigenous people, the watchdog says it was unable to substantiate those perceptions through its review of RCMP policies and files.
“RCMP policing in indigenous communities can be improved. The RCMP is working to improve it. Will want to see the implementation of these changes.”
The report adds that RCMP Commissioner didn’t dispute any of the 31 recommendations put forward.
