NR - 10.111 - September 14, 2010
OTTAWA - Rear-Admiral Robert Davidson, Director of Staff for the Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Forces, issued the following statement today:
“The members of the Canadian Forces have been operating in the very complex Afghan theatre for almost a decade. Whenever CF members have been alleged not to have met our high standards of conduct, we have moved quickly to investigate and, where appropriate, lay charges.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) conducts investigations when allegations of either a service or criminal offence are made. As with other police services, the CFNIS investigators must respect the rights of the individuals when conducting their investigations. As well, there may be requirements for operational security. Thus, it would not be the norm for such investigations to be advertised to the public. However, the CFNIS, like any other police service, does announce when charges are laid as a result of an investigation, and the resulting trial is normally open to the public.
These principles apply equally to the two investigations and the Board of Inquiry being reported. The initial investigation, known as “Sand Trap 1” looked at allegations pertaining to a member of the CF and to related responses of the Canadian Special Operations Forces chain of command. The investigation resulted in no charges being laid. However, it identified other matters that warranted a second investigation, known as “Sand Trap 2”, which is ongoing. As well, a board of inquiry was convened to examine administrative policies, procedures and accountability.
Any speculation about these matters while investigative processes are ongoing is unhelpful and may taint the environment in which the investigation is taking place. As such, we cannot comment further on this matter. We ask that the independent investigation process be respected while it follows its course.”
-30-
Note to editor / news director: No interviews will be provided.
