The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIO) is taking steps to determine if it needs to investigate the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge that claimed nine lives last week.
The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of officers and detention guards in BC, and investigates all incidents involving officers or detention guards that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
“The IIO extends its condolences to all of the families impacted by this tragedy and the community of Tumbler Ridge. We are immensely saddened by this profound loss,” said Chief Civilian Director Jessica Berglund.
“The IIO was notified by the RCMP and has assigned investigators to assess evidence in order to determine whether our mandate is met before beginning a full investigation.”
According to the IIO, there are two factors considered in determining whether its investigative mandate has been met.
The first is whether there has been a death or an injury that meets the threshold of serious harm. The second is whether there is a connection between the death or serious harm and officer action or inaction.
If it is determined there is no connection between the death or injury of any person involved in this incident and police action, the IIO will not proceed with an investigation.
If both conditions are met, the investigation will continue to examine all available evidence to determine what occurred.
“It is important to not that our involvement remains separate from and is secondary to any investigation being undertaken by the RCMP or other agencies,” Berglund said.
“We appreciate the community and public’s patience while we ensure our initial work is conducted thoroughly, fairly, and independently. I want to reiterate that the IIO has a responsibility to avoid releasing any information that could prejudice any ongoing investigation.”
