Final Report by the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP on the Death of Ian Bush

News Release

The Commission for Public Complaints (CPC) against the RCMP has released its final report into the conduct of RCMP members involved in the in-custody death of Mr. Ian Bush on Oct. 29, 2005, in Houston, British Columbia.
The RCMP completed a criminal investigation into the death. The investigation was reviewed by the New Westminster Police Department and forwarded to the Crown Prosecutor's Office. Crown Counsel determined that there was no substantial likelihood of conviction because it was believed that Constable Koester’s use of force was not excessive and that the self-defence provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada would be a justifiable defence in the circumstances.
A British Columbia Coroner's inquest reviewed this matter and brought forward several recommendations involving in-custody deaths.
The RCMP once again wishes to express its sympathy and condolences to the Bush family for this terrible tragedy.
The RCMP fully cooperated with the CPC throughout its investigation and takes this report very seriously. The CPC report found that the RCMP conducted a highly professional investigation into the death of Mr. Bush. It found no evidence of conflict of interest, bias or lack of impartiality.
As is customary, the Commissioner has received and responded to the CPC interim report and its nine recommendations. In areas where the Commissioner indicated he did not support the recommendations, it was either because procedures were already in place to address the issue or the Commissioner believed, for reasons outlined in his response to the report, that some aspects of the recommendation were not operationally practical.
The RCMP has already, or will begin, moving forward to address the recommendations in the report. For example, the RCMP is involved in a working group to have Closed Circuit Video Equipment installed in all police cell blocks in B.C. The RCMP is also looking at developing policy and direction for on-scene RCMP members who have to investigate police conduct.
To read the final report, please visit the CPC website at: www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2007-11-29

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Final Report by the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP on the Death of Ian Bush

News Release

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