 |
|
VICTORIA – The Province will bring the term length and reappointment provisions for the police complaint commissioner (PCC), who oversees complaints related to B.C.’s municipal police forces, into line with those of other officers of the legislature, Solicitor General John van Dongen announced today as he introduced changes to the Police Act.
“The independence, integrity and accountability of officers of the legislature are furthered when they have consistent term lengths and an opportunity for re-appointment,” said van Dongen. “The changes we are introducing will make the terms of the PCC’s appointment reflect those of other officers of the legislature.”
The amendments reduce future PCCs’ terms to five years from six and will allow for a second five-year appointment. Previously, the commissioner was the only officer of the legislature who could not be reappointed at the end of his or her term. These changes make the terms of the PCC’s appointment consistent with those of other legislative officers.
Current PCC Stan Lowe will serve six years under the terms of his existing appointment, with possible reappointment for a further four years. His appointment was effective Feb. 13.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner is responsible for overseeing complaints against members of B.C.’s 11 municipal police forces to ensure they are handled fairly and impartially. The office is independent from all police departments and government ministries, and reports directly to the legislature. The RCMP, which polices the rest of the province, is covered by a separate, federal complaint process.
-30-
|
contact: |
Public Affairs Bureau 250 356-6961 |
|
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
