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New IIO Report Confirms Indigenous Overrepresentation in B.C. Police Investigations

The office pledges to boost community outreach by employing trauma-informed methods following findings of sustained disparities in firearm and mental-health crisis investigations.

Jessica Berglund, the chief civilian director of B.C.'s Independent Investigations Office is seen in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — B.C. Ministry of the Attorney General (Mandatory Credit)

Overview

  • Indigenous people represent about 18% of IIO case participants despite comprising roughly 6% of B.C.’s population, a gap evident since demographic tracking began five years ago.
  • They account for nearly 29% of affected individuals in firearm-related investigations, underscoring concentrated disproportionality in use-of-force files.
  • Chief civilian director Jessica Berglund will partner with community intermediaries such as the First Nations Justice Council to identify cases that may go unreported to the watchdog.
  • The IIO is implementing trauma-informed and culturally sensitive procedures to improve accessibility for Indigenous witnesses and affected persons.
  • A recent Williams Lake mental-health–related death has been referred to the RCMP Civilian Review and Complaints Commission following concerns that a heavy police presence can escalate crisis situations.