Final Status Report

CPC/RCMP Independent Observer to Monitor Impartiality of Investigation into the Shooting of a Male in Hazelton, B.C.

Ottawa, May 21, 2010 – On September 26, 2009, the RCMP, based on information received from the public, drove to the outskirts of New Hazelton, B.C. to apprehend a man wanted on a number of outstanding warrants. As the RCMP approached the cabin where the suspect was believed to be hiding, two men emerged, both armed with rifles. During the course of the attempted arrest, one man was shot by an arresting officer. One man was taken into custody while the second man was taken by ambulance to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Based on information received, the CPC Chair, on September 26, 2009, requested that the CPC Observer be engaged to:

• Make an initial assessment as to the impartiality of the Major Crime Unit assigned to investigate this incident; and
• Monitor progress so as to ensure that any future issues as they relate to the impartiality of the investigation are identified and addressed.

The CPC Observer has completed an assessment as to the impartiality of the investigative team and concludes that there are currently no identified issues as they relate to questions of impartiality. Accordingly, the engagement of the CPC Observer with respect to this matter is now concluded.

The Role of the Observer

The civilian Independent Observer assesses the impartiality of the RCMP team conducting the investigation. Factors that may be used to assess impartiality include the relative rank of the investigator or whether the member of the investigative team has ever:

• worked with or been stationed at the same detachment with any RCMP member who is the subject of the investigation;
• had a social relationship or social interaction with any RCMP member who is the subject of the investigation;
• attended training at Depot (troopmate) during the same period with any RCMP member who is the subject of the investigation; or
• been stationed or has worked at the detachment in which the investigation is taking place.

Additionally, the Independent Observer identifies any other factor that could affect the perception of impartiality as it relates to the investigative member participating in the investigation, such as comments made by the members of the investigative team to one another, to the Independent Observer or to any other person.

The IOP is aimed at enhancing public confidence in RCMP-led investigations into its own members with respect to the impartiality of the RCMP team conducting the investigation.

More information on the Independent Observer Program along with the IOP protocol can be found on the CPC website at http://www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
Kate McDerby
Manager, Communications
613-952-3729
kate.mcderby@cpc-cpp.gc.ca