Report on RCMP Public Complaints 2021-2022

Public Complaints Received

Of the 1,798 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in British Columbia between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 1,709 complaints, while the RCMP received 58 complaints, and 31 were lodged with a provincial authority.

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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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• withdrawn by the complainant;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 2021-22, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 989 complaints containing 2,396 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in British Columbia finalized 1,053 complaints containing 2,491 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 96 new requests for review concerning complaints in British Columbia.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 185 recommendations in British Columbia. The breakdown of RCMP responses to CRCC recommendations is as follows:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in British Columbia.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 720 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Alberta between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 684 complaints, while the RCMP received 34 complaints, and 2 were lodged with a provincial authority.

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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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 2021-22, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 409 complaints containing 958 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 495 complaints containing 1,406 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2019-20, the RCMP in Alberta finalized 420 complaints containing 1,169 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 1,154 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 1,119 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 2021-22, the Commission received 50 new requests for review concerning complaints in Alberta.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 97 recommendations in Alberta. The breakdown of RCMP responses to CRCC recommendations is as follows:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Alberta.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 240 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Saskatchewan between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 220 complaints, while the RCMP received 18 complaints, and 2 were lodged with a provincial authority.

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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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 2021-22, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 157 complaints containing 398 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Saskatchewan finalized 139 complaints containing 430 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 20 new requests for review concerning complaints in Saskatchewan.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 35 recommendations in Saskatchewan. The breakdown of RCMP responses to CRCC recommendations is as follows:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Saskatchewan.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 171 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Manitoba between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 152 complaints, while the RCMP received 19 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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 112 complaints containing 272 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Manitoba finalized 141 complaints containing 474 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 13 new requests for review concerning complaints in Manitoba.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 50 recommendations in Manitoba. The breakdown of RCMP responses to CRCC recommendations is as follows:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Manitoba.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 233 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Ontario between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 231 complaints, while the RCMP received 2 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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 24 complaints containing 35 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Ontario finalized 26 complaints containing 55 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 5 new requests for review concerning complaints in Ontario.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made one recommendation in Ontario:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Ontario.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 73 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Quebec between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 72 complaints, while the RCMP received 1 complaint.

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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 10 complaints containing 15 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Quebec finalized 8 complaints containing 23 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 1 new requests for review concerning complaints in Quebec.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 1 recommendation in Quebec:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in Quebec.

Public Complaints Received

Of the 235 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in New Brunswick between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 232 complaints, while the RCMP received 3 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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 149 complaints containing 344 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in New Brunswick finalized 109 complaints containing 338 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 24 new requests for review concerning complaints in New Brunswick.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made 11 recommendations in New Brunswick. The breakdown of RCMP responses to CRCC recommendations is as follows:

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, the Commission Chairperson did not initiate any complaints, or public interest investigations, concerning RCMP member conduct in New Brunswick

Public Complaints Received

Of the 28 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Prince Edward Island between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 28 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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 14 complaints containing 46 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Prince Edward Island finalized 17 complaints containing 20 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 1 new request for review concerning complaints in Prince Edward Island.

Recommendations

In the 2021-22, the Commission made did not make any recommendations in Prince Edward Island.

Chairperson-Initiated Complaints and Investigations

In 2021-22, 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 217 public complaints lodged regarding the on-duty conduct of RCMP members in Nova Scotia between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, the Commission received 209 complaints, while the RCMP received 8 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 2022 (FY 2021-22) may have been lodged in December 2020 (FY 2021-22).

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

Allegations are classified according to the following categories.

In 2021-22, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 133 complaints containing 289 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

In 2020-21, the RCMP in Nova Scotia finalized 140 complaints containing 339 allegations. The most common allegations made in these complaints, and the way in which they were resolved, are outlined below:

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:

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 2021-22, the Commission received 26 new requests for review concerning complaints in Nova Scotia.