Report on RCMP Public Complaints 2019-2020

Public Complaints Received

Of the 1647 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in British Columbia between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 1515 complaints while the RCMP received 132 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in British Columbia.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

Allegations are classified according to the following categories

In 2019-20, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 1036 complaints containing 2649 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 1025 complaints containing 2314 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 606 complaints containing 1238 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 758 complaints containing 1516 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 855 complaints containing 2521 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 144 new requests for review concerning complaints in British Columbia. This represents 48% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiated any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in British Columbia.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 739 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Alberta between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 673 complaints while the RCMP received 66 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Alberta.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

Allegations are classified according to the following categories

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 420 complaints containing 1169 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 429 complaints containing 1154 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 399 complaints containing 1119 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 345 complaints containing 921 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 413 complaints containing 1387 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP's investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP's handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP's handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner's Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 69 new requests for review concerning complaints in Alberta. This represents 23% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiated any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Alberta.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 260 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Saskatchewan between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 240 complaints while the RCMP received 20 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Saskatchewan.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

Allegations are classified according to the following categories

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 186 complaints containing 580 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 188 complaints containing 554 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 153 complaints containing 514 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 252 complaints containing 747 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 281 complaints containing 918 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 33 new requests for review concerning complaints in Saskatchewan. This represents 11% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Saskatchewan.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 210 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Manitoba between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 190 complaints while the RCMP received 20 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Manitoba.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 132 complaints containing 423 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 171 complaints containing 445 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 121 complaints containing 382 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 84 complaints containing 225 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 83 complaints containing 241 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 19 new requests for review concerning complaints in Manitoba. This represents 6% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiated any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Manitoba.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 133 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Ontario between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 100 complaints while the RCMP received 0 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Ontario.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 25 complaints containing 52 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 19 complaints containing 45 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 20 complaints containing 29 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 37 complaints containing 70 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 26 complaints containing 74 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 4 new requests for review concerning complaints in Ontario. This represents 1% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiated any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Ontario.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 55 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Quebec between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 55 complaints while the RCMP received 0 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Quebec.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 1 complaint containing 2 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 4 complaints containing 6 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 7 complaints containing 23 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 7 complaints containing 9 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 6 complaints containing 11 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 1 new requests for review concerning complaints in Quebec. This represents less than 1% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Quebec.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 173 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in New Brunswick between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 166 complaints while the RCMP received 6 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2019 (FY 2018-19) may have been lodged in December 2017 (FY 2017-18).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in New Brunswick.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 95 complaints containing 204 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 144 complaints containing 387 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 143 complaints containing 348 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 82 complaints containing 154 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 48 complaints containing 82 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 10 new requests for review concerning complaints in New Brunswick. This represents 3% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in New Brunswick.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 13 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Prince Edward Island between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 12 complaints while the RCMP received 1 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Prince Edward Island.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 7 complaints containing 20 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 16 complaints containing 49 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 11 complaints containing 41 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 5 complaints containing 18 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 6 complaints containing 14 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 2 new requests for review concerning complaints in Prince Edward Island. This represents 1% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Prince Edward Island.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 219 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Nova Scotia between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 215 complaints while the RCMP received 4 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Nova Scotia.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 77 complaints containing 172 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 121 complaints containing 281 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 138 complaints containing 299 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 129 complaints containing 280 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 85 complaints containing 157 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 7 new requests for review concerning complaints in Nova Scotia. This represents 2% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2019-20, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Nova Scotia.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 68 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Newfoundland and Labrador between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, the Commission received 59 complaints while the RCMP received 9 complaints.

While the Commission and the RCMP receive a large number of public complaints each fiscal year, not all meet the complaint criteria laid out in section 45.53 of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act.

Public Complaints Finalized

The RCMP investigates public complaints* and provides the complainant with a report, finalizing the complaint.

It is important to note that complaints finalized by the RCMP within a fiscal year are not necessarily related to complaints lodged during that same time period.

For example, a complaint that is finalized in February 2020 (FY 2019-20) may have been lodged in December 2018 (FY 2019-20).

Complaints can be resolved as follows:

• informally resolved by the RCMP;
• investigated by the RCMP;
• withdrawn by the complainant;
• terminated by the RCMP.

*With the exception of public interest investigations, which are carried out by the Commission.

**A small number of complaints are resolved annually using a combination of two or more of the mechanisms listed above. Given that few complaints fall within this category they are not represented in the graph Resolution of Complaints in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Finalized Complaints & Allegations

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador finalized 32 complaints containing 79 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2018-19, the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador finalized 54 complaints containing 128 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2017-18, the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador finalized 46 complaints containing 90 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2016-17, the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador finalized 42 complaints containing 83 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2015-16, the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador finalized 49 complaints containing 122 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

Complaints Referred to the Commission for Review

Following the RCMP’s investigation of a public complaint, if a complainant is not satisfied with how the RCMP has concluded their complaint, the legislation allows them to refer their complaint to the Commission for review.

At any point during its review, The Commission may request that the RCMP investigate further.

If the Commission is satisfied with RCMP’s handling of the complaint, the Chairperson issues a Satisfied Report to the RCMP Commissioner, the Minister of Public Safety, the complainant, and the member(s) involved, thereby ending the review process.

If the Commission is not satisfied with the RCMP’s handling of the complaint the Chairperson will issue an Interim Report, outlining various findings and recommendations directed at the RCMP, which will be sent to the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety.

Once the Interim Report has been reviewed by the RCMP, the RCMP Commissioner gives notice, identifying which recommendations the RCMP will act on. If no, or a different, action is to be taken, the Commissioner must provide reasons to the Commission.

The Chairperson considers the Commissioner’s Response, and prepares a Final Report.

In 2019-20, the Commission received 2 new requests for review concerning complaints in Newfoundland and Labrador. This represents 1% of all new review requests received Canada-wide.