B.C. Mounties showed ‘concerning’ conduct in investigation into B.C. death: watchdog

Advertisement

Advertise with us

SURREY - The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia says it found "concerning and problematic conduct" from some RCMP officers who failed to co-operate during an investigation.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia says it found “concerning and problematic conduct” from some RCMP officers who failed to co-operate during an investigation.

The provincial police watchdog made the comments in a report released Thursday into the death of a man in Dawson Creek, B.C., in June 2024 who had been punched in the face while resisting arrest.

The IIO’s chief civilian director Jessica Berglund said she did not find reasonable grounds to believe the officers committed an offence, and no charges will be recommended.

RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Berglund said the man died due to a combination of exertion during a prolonged altercation with police and “illicit substance toxicity,” with the blunt injury from police punches “not identified” as a significant factor.

However, she says IIO investigators saw several instances of officers failing to comply under the Police Act to co-operate, including not filing notes and reports, refusing to meet with investigators, and there were other irregularities in photo processing of the officers involved.

The RCMP did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the director’s claims in the report. 

Berglund says her office has addressed RCMP senior management about these issues, which also included delays when investigators tried to obtain material evidence from officers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2026.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Uncategorized

LOAD UNCATEGORIZED ARTICLES