VICTORIA — The government of British Columbia is making adjustments to its Police Act in order to enhance control and oversight of local police departments in the province.
If the law is approved, it would broaden the responsibilities of B.C.’s two police oversight groups, the Independent Investigations Office and the Office of the Police Complaint Commission.
The complaint commission could initiate its own inquiries into systemic issues it observes, and the new directive would allow it to conduct its own examinations of police actions earlier.
In a news release, the commission states that if the legislation is passed, the adjustments will be a significant move in enhancing oversight in the province.
As per the adjustments, serious actions by jail guards would come under the oversight of the Independent Investigations Office, which its director Ronald MacDonald says would improve the perception of such investigations.
Local governments would also have the authority to choose their representative on their police board, unlike the current automatic appointment of the mayor as the chair.
Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth mentioned in a statement the changes are a “turning point in B.C.”
He stated the adjustments establish a policing system that is equitable and responsive to the requirements of our communities.
“We rely on our police to respond in challenging situations to keep us safe and there are ongoing discussions on how to change policing to keep pace with a changing world, especially 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 adjustments stem 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.
Most of the province is policed by RCMP, although there are over a dozen local police forces affected by the adjustments, including Surrey, which is transitioning to an independent force.
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