Listen Live
HomeNewsCampbell River RCMP offers guide to police complaints process

Campbell River RCMP offers guide to police complaints process

The Campbell River is offering a step-by-step guide to its police complaints process.

This includes a suggested order:

1.) I had dealings with the police and I was not satisfied with how things went (for whatever reason).

2.) At that point, Const. Maury Tyre suggests you wait 24 hours before reaching out.

“A lot of times due to the nature of police calls and interactions emotions get elevated. Take the 24 hours to think about the events and actions from a place of logic first,” he said.

“I like to think of it the same as the 24 hr rule when you get an email that upsets you, if you respond from a place of emotion immediately it can make things infinitely worse not better.”

3.) Call in and ask to speak to the investigator that you dealt with. 

“A lot of times where issues arise is if people don’t understand why a police officer took the actions or non-actions that they did, and just learning the why from the officer can create a better understanding and deal with the complaint,” Tyre said.

4.) If you aren’t satisfied with the officer’s explanation, you have the ability to call the non-emergency line and discuss the file with a supervisor.

5.) If you were unable to come to a solution, you can come into the Campbell River RCMP detachment or call during business hours Monday to Friday and ask to register a complaint. 

“In the Campbell River RCMP detachment complaints are dealt with by the Corporal in Charge of Professional Standards,” Tyre said. 

“Again the idea is to look at a collaborative way to deal with the complaint.

6.) If you’re not satisfied at this point, you can register a complaint with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission and the complaint will be investigated, by who will depend on the nature of the complaint itself.

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission can be directly contacted at any point in time to lodge a complaint. The above order of complaint resolution is suggested only.

Tyre said whether you are speaking to an officer or a dispatcher, you’re asked to treat them with the same amount of respect as you would wish to be treated.

“It’s very important to note that most issues can be resolved between the attending police officer and the person who has the concern. In the same vein it’s also important to understand that police officers are bound by the laws they enforce,” Tyre said.

“Unfortunately what we do see a lot of is complaints about the law itself or judicial requirements, not necessarily how the officer conducted themselves. People who are unsatisfied with the system need someone to complain to and the police happen to be the face of that system.”

Tyre said that when police and the public work together to come to an understanding regarding their situation and find a collaborative resolution, “that creates a better bond and trust between the police and the public they serve.”

“Without fail, there is one consistent in life: nobody is perfect and that applies to police as well,” Tyre added. 

“If you have concerns, bring them forward, but please do so in a collaborative manner with thought about what you wish to see happen or would wish to see happen in the future.”

- Advertisement -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -