B.C. Police Act changes pave way for better oversight, governance
The British Columbia government is bringing in changes to its Police Act to improve governance and oversight of municipal police departments in the province.
The legislation, if passed, would expand the jurisdictions of B.C.'s two police watchdogs, the Independent Investigations Office and the Office of the Police Complaint Commission.
The complaints commission would be able to start its own investigations looking into systemic problems it might see, and the new mandate would allow it to conduct its own investigations into police actions sooner.
The commission says in a news release that if the legislation passes, the changes will be an important step in improving oversight in the province.
Under the changes, serious actions of jail guards would fall under the jurisdiction of the Independent Investigations Office, which its director Ronald MacDonald says would enhance the appearance of such investigations.
Local governments would also be allowed to decide who their representative would be on their police board, unlike now where the mayor is automatically the chair.
Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth says in a statement the changes are a “turning point in B.C.”
He said the changes create a policing system that is fair and responsive to the needs of our communities.
“We count on our police to respond in difficult situations to keep us safe and there are ongoing conversations on how to change policing to keep pace with a changing world, particularly for many Black, Indigenous and other people of minority communities who have had negative experiences with the police,” Farnworth said in a news release.
The changes arise from a report from the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act released in 2022 and from a Special Committee to Review the Police Complaints Process in 2019.
Much of the province is policed by RCMP, although there are more than a dozen local police forces that fall under the changes, including Surrey, which is transitioning to an independent force.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Kim Kardashian brand kids' sleepwear and more: Here are some recalls to watch out for
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.
Three Quebec men from same family father hundreds of children
Three men in Quebec from the same family have fathered more than 600 children.