The President of the National Police Federation is voicing his displeasure with BC’s police watchdog of their recent announcement to recommend charges related to a 2021 investigation in Prince George.
Brian Sauve issued the following statement on Friday:
“For years we have maintained our support for thorough and transparent investigations into police conduct, but the length of time of these investigations is falling far short of what police officers and the public deserve. This is not an isolated occurrence but part of a broader pattern of delay that fails both our Members and the public”
“Despite announcing their decision to refer this case to Crown Counsel, the IIO has also refused to release any meaningful details to the public, a convenient way to avoid public accountability while allowing speculation and misinformation to fill the void. This vilifies our Member who risks being presumed guilty in the court of public opinion long before any charge approval decision is made. “
“Our Members deserve better. The public deserves better. We are calling on the Province of B.C. to address these systemic failures, starting with timely investigations, fair public communication, and proper resourcing of oversight bodies.”
The incident in question occurred at about 7:00 a.m. on May 31, 2021, when local police approached a man near the North Star Inn near Victoria Street and 15th Avenue.
The Independent Investigations Office said during the interaction, shots were fired by police, with the man sustaining a serious gunshot injury.
Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund reviewed the evidence, identifying reasonable grounds that one officer may have committed an offence with the use of a firearm.
Before charges are approved, the BC Prosecution Service must be satisfied that there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence from the IIO, and that prosecution be required in the public interest.
– with files from Zachary Barrowcliff, MyPGNow.com staff
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