RCMP recommend charges against one of their own

Allegations of assault by a Williams Lake Mountie on a 17-year-old female have received the blessing of the police themselves.

On Wednesday the region's top cops involved in the incident - North District commander Supt. Rod Booth and Williams Lake detachment commander Insp. Warren Brown - announced they were recommending a charge of assault against a Williams Lake-based constable. The constable's name has not yet been disclosed because provincial Crown has yet to formally lay this charge.

The incident occurred on Sept. 10 at about 10:15 p.m. when Williams Lake RCMP responded to several 911 calls reporting a possible assault in progress involving a highly-emotional, distraught, female youth. Attending officers found and arrested a 17-year-old Aboriginal female.

"Following the incident, concerns were raised about her treatment by a Williams Lake detachment constable," said Booth. "A public complaint investigation was initiated by [Insp. Brown] however, the decision was made to request an independent, external investigation to be conducted by the Abbotsford Police Department. From the onset the RCMP invited an impartial First Nations observer - who was chosen following consultation with the family - to monitor the independent Abbotsford Police investigation."

The investigation was complicated by a miscommunication, said Booth and Brown. The Abbotsford Police Department's investigators believed they were to investigate the total incident, meaning both the original allegations against the female and the subsequent allegations against the Mountie. Based on the information obtained by the Abbotsford independent investigators, charges were laid against the female while the probe into the constable was still underway.

"As soon as I became aware, I immediately worked with Crown counsel to facilitate a stay of proceedings regarding the charges against the female," in light of the accusations against her arresting party, Booth said.

"I accept responsibility for the initial confusion regarding the recommendation of a charge against this female," said Brown. "This case demonstrates the challenges that can occur and illustrates the benefit of the Independent Investigations Office, an investigative body being created - which the RCMP has long supported."

Brown emphasized that the other aspect of this investigation - the part centred on the member under his command - was carefully assessed by himself and meets with his satisfaction despite the implied discomfort to the Williams Lake detachment.

"It is important to me that we maintain the trust and confidence of the communities we serve, and for those reasons, I support the investigative process that has been undertaken in this instance," said Brown. "It is also important for me to recognize and commend my staff for their high level of dedication and professionalism. They are a credit to the RCMP and the communities we police. I would also like to acknowledge the strong support from our community stakeholders and the leadership in both our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. It is your guidance and direction that has assisted us meeting our goals and objectives. As a result of these positive influences, we have made great strides in crime reduction, building relationships with First Nations communities, and working with youth."

The actual assault details, as alleged, have not been publicly confirmed, pending court action. Note was also made at Wednesday's announcement that a separate RCMP Code of Conduct (internal standards policies) investigation was also underway pertaining to the officer's actions that night.

It is now up to Crown counsel to make the next move - to charge or not to charge. That decision will be made by regional Crown counsel at the Prince George Courthouse.