ARCHIVED - Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP

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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

2.1 Strategic Outcome

RCMP members are held publicly accountable for their conduct in the performance of their duties.

2.1.1 Program Activity: Civilian review of RCMP members' conduct in the performance of their duties.

The following graphic outlines the CPC's Program Activity Architecture and the priorities it has set for 2009–2010.

Strategic Outcome

RCMP members are held publicly accountable for their conduct in the performance of their duties.

Program Activity

Civilian review of RCMP members' conduct in the performance of their duties.

Priorities for 2009–2010

• Increase public awareness of the role and services of the CPC.
• Strengthen the complaint and review processes.
• Improve the relevance of review recommendations and identify complaint trends.

Program Activity Summary

The CPC is an independent federal agency established in 1988 to receive and review public complaints about the conduct of RCMP members in a fair and impartial manner.

The fundamental role of the CPC is to provide civilian review of RCMP members' conduct in the performance of their policing duties.  The CPC holds the RCMP accountable to the public by providing, at the request of complainants, an independent review of the RCMP's disposition of complaints and by making recommendations to the RCMP Commissioner.

The process for lodging a complaint under the current legislation is as follows: members of the public may make complaints about the conduct of RCMP members to the RCMP, the CPC or the provincial authority responsible for policing.  Complaints are normally sent to the RCMP first for investigation.  The RCMP then conducts an investigation as to the alleged misconduct and issue a ruling in the first instance.  The RCMP Commissioner is required to report the results of these investigations to complainants.  If complainants are not satisfied with the RCMP's handling of the complaint, they may ask the CPC for a review of their case.  The Chair of the CPC may also initiate a complaint if he considers there are reasonable grounds to do so

When reviewing a complaint, the CPC does not act as an advocate either for the complainant or for RCMP members.  Rather, its role is to conduct an independent inquiry and reach objective conclusions based on the information available.

In conducting its review, the CPC considers all relevant information provided by the complainant and the RCMP.  If it is not satisfied that the information is complete, it asks the RCMP for additional information or, where appropriate, conducts its own independent investigation.

The Chair also has the authority to hold a public interest hearing to inquire into a complaint.

If the Chair is not satisfied with the RCMP's handling of a complaint, the Commission will issue an interim report of its findings and recommendations; after the RCMP Commissioner replies to this interim report, a final report is forwarded to the Minister of Public Safety, to the RCMP Commissioner and to all parties.  Alternatively, if the Chair concludes that the RCMP responded adequately to the complainant's concerns, a final report is delivered stating that the RCMP's handling of the complaint was satisfactory.

Planning Highlights

In order to achieve the expected result, assuming that it will be successful in obtaining the requested interim funding, the CPC has set the following priorities and plans to undertake the following activities:

1. Increase public awareness of the role and services of the CPC 

The CPC will continue its outreach to stakeholders and marginalized populations, such as aboriginal and ethno-cultural communities.  It also will continue to improve its website to encourage use and ensure its relevance among priority groups.  In 2009–2010, the CPC will also continue to enhance its media relations efforts.

2. Strengthen the complaint and review processes

The CPC will endeavour to continue to meet its service standards and enhance efficiencies within the complaint and review processes. Additionally, it plans to develop and implement a new Case Management System.  The CPC is also working to identify complaint trends and make recommendations for changes to national policing policy.  In order to track actions taken by the RCMP on recommendations, the CPC will establish a follow-up process.  The CPC will continue to collaborate more closely with the provinces, territories, RCMP and stakeholders regarding common interests.  

3. Improve the relevance of review recommendations and identify continuing, emerging and new complaint trends

In 2009-2010, the CPC will undertake research projects designed to understand the nature of and trends within public complaints and police/public interactions and will identify trends in policing and make recommendations for changes in national policing policy, training and behaviours.  The CPC will continue to foster greater collaboration among domestic and international police review bodies, governments, academics and stakeholders

Benefits for Canadians

Safe and secure communities is a defining characteristic of the Canadian way of life and Canadians are rightly proud of that tradition of community safety and security.  Canadians deserve to live in a just society, to have faith in their justice system, and to be protected against violence and criminal acts.

The CPC provides civilian oversight of RCMP members' conduct in performing their policing duties so as to hold the RCMP accountable to the public.  Its job is to help find and shape a balance between individual rights and collective security.

The Commission makes a significant contribution to protecting citizens by building safer and healthier communities and its work is an essential component of the government's commitment to strengthen the security of Canadians. Canadians must have confidence in their national law enforcement agencies. The CPC’s oversight ensures that this confidence, faith and trust is well-placed.

2.1.6 Program Activity: Internal Services

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