THE Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) has launched an online searchable database of substantiated allegations of misconduct and corresponding disciplinary measures that is available to the public. This resource will improve the transparency and accessibility of disciplinary decisions resulting from the police complaint process under the Police Act.

“Transparency is a fundamental pillar for police accountability and enhancing public confidence in policing”, said Police Complaint Commissioner Prabhu Rajan on Monday. “The release of this digest is an important step in improving transparency and supports an effective system of police accountability in BC.”

The Discipline Decisions Digest will allow anyone to search through substantiated allegations of misconduct and corresponding disciplinary measures for the 12 municipal police departments that fall under the OPCC’s jurisdiction, as well as the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – BC (Organized Crime Agency of BC).

Decision makers under the Police Act can use the digest to identify and review similar substantiated allegations of misconduct and corresponding disciplinary measures of interest when issuing their determinations and decisions. Members of the public and the media can also use the digest for informational purposes.

The digest responds to one of the recommendations from the Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process (2019), as well as findings from the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act (2022) to enhance consistency in decisions made about disciplinary or corrective measures when a municipal police officer is found to have committed misconduct. The digest aligns with initiatives by similar organizations across Canada, such as the Independent Investigations Office of BC, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, and the Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board.

About the OPCC

• The Police Complaint Commissioner is a civilian, independent Officer of the Legislature who oversees complaints, investigations and disciplinary decisions involving municipal police in British Columbia. More information on the OPCC can be found here.
• The legislation governing the complaint process imposes restrictions on the release of information to the public. The Commissioner can release information if it is considered in the public interest to do so.
• The OPCC does not investigate or adjudicate misconduct allegations, instead ensuring that allegations are fully investigated and fairly adjudicated according to the Police Act and administrative law principles.
• Discipline Authorities are generally senior ranking police officers who are required under the Police Act to make determinations regarding the investigation and discipline of police officers alleged to have committed misconduct.
• With amendments made to the Police Act in 2024, Discipline Authorities may also include former senior officers and retired judges who are on the list of qualified persons established by the Police Complaint Commissioner.
• The OPCC has limited direct involvement over the disciplinary process. Discipline Authorities make their decisions independently and determine how matters proceed, in alignment with the requirements of the Police Act.
• The Police Complaint Commissioner may refer certain matters to retired judges for adjudication, call public hearings, and make recommendations to police boards or to government regarding policies, practices or systemic issues that may contribute to misconduct.
• The Police Complaint Commissioner now has the authority to examine and review systemic concerns about policing that align with the OPCC’s general oversight responsibilities. This new mandate will allow the OPCC to act proactively to investigate systemic issues arising from police complaints or problems identified with the complaint process, provide meaningful recommendations aimed at preventing police misconduct and report on these publicly.