Watchdog 'exploring options' to address systemic issues raised about RCMP unit in B.C.
CBC
The RCMP's federal watchdog agency is weighing its options after receiving nearly 500 formal complaints about a unit tasked with policing resistance to major resource extraction projects in British Columbia.
More than 100 grievances accepted for investigation contain allegations of excessive force, illegal tactics, unprofessional behaviour, racism, discrimination and charter violations by the force's Community-Industry Response Group (C-IRG).
The complaints contain unproven allegations and were released by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) with names, genders and identifying information censored following an access-to-information request by CBC News.
"The CRCC is aware of the systemic issues raised by many of these complaints and is exploring options to determine how best to address these issues within our mandate," said CRCC communications director Kate McDerby in a statement last week.
The CRCC is mandated by Parliament to ensure fair and impartial handling of public grievances against the RCMP.
The watchdog receives complaints, refers them to the Mounties for investigation, then reviews those investigations if complainants aren't satisfied.
It's an independent agency that can, if it's in the public interest, initiate systemic investigations into RCMP activities to ensure they obey the law, regulation, ministerial direction or RCMP policy and procedure.
The CRCC offered the statement in response to a comment from Chief Supt. John Brewer, the Mountie in charge of the C-IRG, who told CBC News the watchdog is happy with how his unit investigates complaints.
"I'm satisfied, certainly, when there's allegations against members, that they are fulsomely investigated," Brewer said.
Statistics provided by the CRCC show the commission so far issued one satisfied report in a review of a complaint investigation and is waiting for the RCMP to probe a backlog of 79 outstanding complaints relating to the C-IRG.
Brewer was responding to an internal accounting obtained by CBC News showing his unit spent nearly $50 million on its operations in its five-year existence.
He suggested the misconduct allegations often come from activists upset about being arrested or citizens who find the use of force, authorized by court-ordered injunctions, unpleasant.
"I'm aware of allegations made against C-IRG of breaking legs, breaking bones, and when we do the follow up on that, it turns out to be false," Brewer said.
One complainant alleges Mounties, with their name tags and regimental numbers removed, broke their thumb during an arrest at Fairy Creek on Vancouver Island on Sept. 9, 2021.
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