Improvements underway to make filing complaints easier

The RCMP and the Commission for Public Complaints (CPC), want to improve the general Canadian view of the RCMP by making reforms to its processes.
An extensive review is underway by the CPC to find ways to improve the process for filing complaints and to raise public awareness of their program.
In a study conducted by the CPC, only 60 per cent of persons in Canadian communities policed by the RCMP feel comfortable making a complaint at the local detachment.
The Commission is beginning many pilot projects in response to an investigation as a result of public interest in the fairness of "Police investigating Police."
This is an effort to maintain accountability in the RCMP and to improve the public opinion of the institution.
An Independent Observer Pilot Project in British Columbia, gives CPC access to RCMP records and evidence to investigate "sensitive cases" such as in-custody deaths and abuse.
The Observer Pilot Project will determine whether RCMP have complied with the appropriate policies and procedures and whether the policies themselves are enough to ensure that impartial investigations are conducted.
They will also observe Canadian and International models, how other institutions conduct investigations involving the police.
The hope is to implement a formal Observer Program across Canada.
The CPC is an independent Federal Agency that was established in 1988 to review complaints about the conduct of RCMP members, to ensure they are acting in a fair and impartial manner.
Paul E. Kennedy is the Chair of the Commission. In May of last year he issued the "Chairs Message" on efforts to be made by the CPC which included to, "conduct pilot projects, such as our efforts to foster greater access for Aboriginal communities in regards to improving access to the complaints process."
Kennedy said that complaint intake forms, brochures and posters, as well as services and published materials will be provided in a wide variety of languages.
"Most people don't even know about the CPC", stated Kate Mcderby, spokesperson for the Commission.
Complaints filed against the RCMP are usually done in the detachments, but they can also be filed through the CPC, which ultimately makes people more comfortable with the process.
The Commission does not act on behalf of the victim or the RCMP, however provides an impartial investigation into complaints.
This is why the Commission has teamed up with the National Aboriginal Friendship Centers to collaborate on an Outreach Pilot Project.
The project is targeting six Friendship Centers across Canada that covers a wide area of First Nations demographics.
Vice Chair of the Commission, Brooke McNabb is touring Yellowknife, NWT, Prince George, B.C., Cold Lake, Alta, Portage la Prairie, Man. and Happy Valley Goose Bay, NL.
The project is designed to improve communications and build relationships between the CPC and First Nation communities.
The third session is to be held in Yellowknife and so far the CPC feels that the information has been well received.
The RCMP and First Nations of Canada have many historic and modern day disputes that have tarnished efforts for a cooperative relationship.
The hope is to ultimately improve relations.
The project has not yet reached Saskatchewan, but the hope is that the success of this six-nation tour will pave the way for similar programs in all of Canada's 120 Indian and Métis Friendship Centers.
The projects are part of a review into the concerns about police investigating police and of RCMP accountability among the Canadian public.
The Commission intends to collect the views and thoughts of a wide demographic in Canada from every source possible.
Half of all the complaints against RCMP are recieved and has resulted in the call for submissions issued by the CPC in Feb. 2008.
Officials hope to obtain public views of the RCMP so that the greater interests of our communities can be reported and they can ensure that a broader scope can be included in their findings.
The public is invited to share their opinions by mailing in their submissions to the CPC in Ottawa or by email to org@cpc-cpp.gc.ca before March 31.