The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission is now investigating how RCMP officers reacted in the aftermath of the shooting of Colten Boushie.
Members of Boushie’s family initially launched the complaint after they felt the actions of the RCMP officers portrayed them as suspects and believed it was inappropriate how officers informed Debbie Baptiste on her son’s death.
Late last year, the RCMP cleared themselves of any wrongdoing in these actions. A decision that lead many organizations to call for a third-party investigation into the matter.
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission will now independently investigate the conduct of RCMP members involved in this incident and whether their actions followed RCMP policy, practice and training.
They will then make findings and recommendations to address any deficiencies in member conduct as well as policies, procedures, training and guidelines of the RCMP itself.
“In the course of our review and our ongoing monitoring of events related to this tragic incident, it has become apparent that additional matters related to the conduct of RCMP members involved need to be examined,” said Guy Bujold, the Acting Chairperson of the CRCC in a media release. “As such, I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to launch an independent investigation into this matter.”
The CRCC is distinct and independent from the RCMP and has jurisdiction over complaints regarding all members of the RCMP.
The commission says they are investigating this matter at the request of the Boushie family.
UPDATE: The Saskatchewan RCMP say they welcome the investigation from the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission.
In a media release put forward late Tuesday afternoon the RCMP says they support this process and will fully cooperate with the investigation.
“We look forward to the process addressing any uncertainty or outstanding questions regarding our role in this matter,” the media release read.
The RCMP also says it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
(PHOTO: members of Colten Boushie’s family hold a photo of him. File Photo)