B.C. Ombudsperson demands independent oversight of RCMP jail guards GlobeBC
B.C. ombudsperson Jay Chalke, seen here, said he raised the issue with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor-General last May.The B.C. Ombudsperson is calling for independent oversight of municipal detention centres in communities policed by the RCMP after several complaints against jail guards.
According to Mr. Chalke’s statement, no independent agency has the legal authority to investigate public complaints in municipalities policed by the RCMP. The RCMP’s Civilian Review and Complaints Commission doesn’t have oversight for jail guards in these municipalities because they aren’t RCMP employees. The guards are either civilian employees or contractors hired by the municipality.Mr. Chalke said he raised the issue with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor-General last May.
“Since my ministry was informed of the gap by the Ombudsperson last May, my staff have been working with RCMP to find an interim measure that will allow for a level of independent oversight of any misconduct complaints brought against lockup guards in RCMP detention facilities," he said. “We are also exploring possible legislative amendments to address the gap as a longer-term solution, which will be canvassed with the Ombudsperson and other stakeholders.
“I’ve been encouraged that they’ve taken interim steps,” Mr. Chalke said. “However, this spring, with the fact that most of a year’s gone by and no permanent action has been taken, I thought it was important to raise the matter with the legislative committee that is currently reviewing the oversight under the Police Act, so I wrote to the committee in March.”
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