B.C. Chief takes the lead.

In a move that demonstrates vision, foresight, and a true commitment to openness and accountability Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu is urging the British Columbia  government to expand the investigative mandate of the proposed civilian oversight agency.

As it now stands the proposed agency would only investigate in custody deaths and incidents that result in severe injury.  Based on past experience Chief Chu estimates that the proposed agency’s current mandate would limit its investigations to an average of 4 annually in relation to the Vancouver police.

Although Chu feels that the Vancouver Police are fully capable of conducting competent and unbiased investigations internally,  his suggestion is a recognition that with issues such as the police investigating themselves,  perception is reality.  Investigation by an external body would remove the perception of bias.