Complaints

The CPC can accept complaints concerning the:

• on-duty conduct of an active* member
• off-duty conduct of an active* member (where the conduct is likely to adversely affect their performance and/or the Force's reputation)

As a general practice, when a complaint is filed with the CPC, it is investigated by the RCMP in the same manner as if the complaint had been made directly to the RCMP. Unlike the RCMP, the CPC is not empowered to decline to process a complaint. There are some exceptions.

A complainant can request to remain anonymous. The complainant may be a third-party; i.e., not directly involved in the incident which is the subject of the concern or formal complaint.

One does not have to be a Canadian citizen to make a complaint. There is no time limit for making a complaint as long as the incident leading to the complaint occurred after September 30, 1988 when Parliament established the CPC.

*Under current legislation, the CPC cannot initiate complaints against retired members of the RCMP.