New civilian agency to probe police incidents in B.C

http://www.rcmpwatch.com/new-civilian-agency-to-probe-police-incidents-in-b-c/

(CBC News) B.C.’s solicitor general has introduced long-awaited legislation to create an independent civilian agency to conduct criminal investigations into serious incidents involving all police in B.C., including the RCMP.

Solicitor General Shirley Bond introduced the legislation to end police investigations of other police in serious incidents that result in death or serious harm on Tuesday in the legislature in Victoria.

“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 B.C. and will strengthen public faith in the dedicated officers who work so hard to keep our families safe,” said Clark in a statement.

“The office will be the lead investigative agency in cases under its mandate, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence,” said the statement.

Specifically, it will:

* Be led by a civilian who has never served as a police officer.
* Conduct criminal investigations into police-related incidents involving death or serious harm, and will be able to do investigations involving other serious incidents.
* Be able to investigate members of all B.C. police agencies, including independent municipal departments and the RCMP.
* Have its powers entrenched in legislation.
* Report to the Ministry of Attorney General.

...and even though much of the reported RCMP malfeasance seems to come from BC, this is needed across Canada.

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This is needed in every province.