March 5, 2026
Surrey, BC – The following Media Statement is from National Police Federation President and CEO Brian Sauvé regarding the withdrawal of a charge recommendation against an RCMP Member in a Ladysmith, B.C. IIO investigation
“While we categorically support the Independent Investigation Office of B.C.’s decision to withdraw a recommendation of charges against an RCMP Member related to an incident that occurred nearly five years ago, the decision rationale raises serious questions about the investigative outcome that led to the IIO’s recommendation in the first place.
According to the Independent Investigations Office’s own explanation, the recommendation was withdrawn because of significant evidentiary gaps, including the absence of statements investigators acknowledge they cannot compel. Officers who are the subject of an investigation are not required to provide statements. Advancing a recommendation for charges relying on the possibility of an officer incriminating themselves raises serious questions about the assumptions that may have guided this investigation from the outset.
Oversight bodies play an important role in maintaining public confidence in policing. But that confidence depends on investigations being thorough, objective and grounded in evidence, not assumptions about what may have occurred.
When a case is sent forward for charge consideration without a complete evidentiary picture and later withdrawn for that same reason, it risks undermining trust in the process and unnecessarily prolongs uncertainty for the officers involved.
It is also concerning that it has taken nearly five years to arrive at a conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to determine that any officer acted unlawfully. Investigations that stretch on for years place a significant burden on Members and their families, and raise legitimate questions about the use of investigative resources.
Independent oversight must be fair, timely, and evidence based. Our Members and the public deserve nothing less.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
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