First Nation chief to review investigation into man killed by RCMP

This is the first time a native civilian observer has been named in such a case.

According to a statement from the British Columbia Independent Investigations Office (IIO), Chief Thomas George will have unlimited access to all investigative materials related to the death of Julian Jones, 28, a member of Tla-First Nation. o-who-aht.

The facts came out in February 2021: the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRCMP of British Columbia indicated in a press release that, at approximately 9:30 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021, two officials of Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRCMP of Tofino went to a residence in Opitsaht, looking for a woman believed to be in distress. When they arrived, Julian Thomas was shot and killed.

The death caused unrest in the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and re-initiated requests for a clearer investigation. Another First Nation member was previously shot and killed by a police officer at a wellness check in New Brunswick in December 2020.

Create a bond of trust with the natives

Ronald MacDonald, director of the Office of Independent Investigations, said the appointment of an Indigenous monitor is another step in building trust between his office and Indigenous peoples.

He said getting to this point was a long process, as the Bureau would have to develop a new agreement for the selection of a civilian observer.

Ronald MacDonald added that Thomas George’s final report will be made public when appropriate and consistent with office practices.

I look forward to Chief George’s report and I will endeavor to consider any further considerations, evidence or additional method of investigation he refers to..

The British Columbia Office of Independent Investigations, a civilian police oversight agency, is responsible for independent civilian police oversight in British Columbia resulting in serious injury or death, whether with an allegation of wrongdoing or not.