Our Work
Public Trust
The OPCC builds public trust in policing by providing independent civilian oversight of municipal police misconduct investigations in British Columbia. Through both complaint oversight and a new systemic mandate, the OPCC promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in policing for the benefit of the public.
Police Complaint Commissioner
The Police Complaint Commissioner is an independent Officer of the Legislature. The Commissioner oversees the police complaint system and investigations into police misconduct and reports regularly to the public.
The Commissioner also:
- Establishes guidelines for how complaints are handled by police;
- Sets procedures for Complaint Resolution and mediation
- Makes binding procedures to improve timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness of the complaints process;
- Can independently order investigations into allegations of police misconduct;
- Has the authority to appoint retired judges to review matters under the Police Act; and
- Initiates systemic investigations when necessary, in the public interest.
Oversight
The OPCC is not an investigative agency and does not conduct investigations into police misconduct. Instead, we oversee misconduct investigations to ensure they are conducted thoroughly, professionally, and in accordance with the law.
We actively monitor police misconduct investigations as they proceed and intervene when necessary to ensure fairness and accountability.
Systemic Mandate
The OPCC identifies and seeks to address systemic concerns related to police conduct and the municipal police complaint process. This includes:
- Analyzing data and conducting research;
- Undertaking systemic investigations; and
- Making recommendations.
This work supports continuous improvement in policing practices and police accountability.
Legislation
The OPCC’s work is governed by the BC Police Act. Part 11 of the Police Act establishes the process for complaints, investigations, and discipline involving municipal police officers.
Recommendations
The Police Complaint Commissioner may make recommendations to municipal police departments, police boards, or government about:
- The delivery of policing services to the public.
- Changes to provincial policing standards.
- Improvements to police policies, practices, and training.
- The need for further study, review or audit to address identified issues or trends.
- Systemic issues affecting police accountability, the complaints process, or public trust.
As part of its systemic mandate, the OPCC identifies patterns, trends, and recurring issues in complaints and investigations, and uses this information to support evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving municipal policing in British Columbia.
The OPCC works with relevant parties to support the timely consideration and implementation of its recommendations. Summaries of past recommendations are published in the OPCC’s annual reports.
Adjudications
When the Police Complaint Commissioner disagrees with a finding in a police misconduct matter, they may appoint a retired judge to review the decision.
These retired judges operate at arm’s length from the OPCC to ensure independent and unbiased decision making. Reviews may be conducted through:
- A review of written materials; or
- An in-person hearing, where witnesses may be called to testify.
Outreach and Engagement
The OPCC works with a wide range of interest holders to build meaningful relationships, increase understanding of our role and services, and learn from communities we serve. Community voices are central to the OPCC’s systemic mandate, helping identify trends and systemic issues in policing and the complaints process. Through respectful, ongoing engagement, we seek to strengthen trust, improve access to the complaints process, and continuously enhance how we deliver our services to meet the needs of a diverse population.