Complaints Against the RCMP

[doublet]

Just wondering if anyone has gone through the process of filing a compaint and if you can remain anonymus.

[rmk]

why would you want to remain anonymous?

[BigMass]

Originally posted by rmk
why would you want to remain anonymous?

so your life doesn’t become a living hell courtesy of some people that are above the law?

[Destinova403]

CALLING TOMA

but anyway... just call their complaint line, im sure they get a lot. no idea how serious they take them though.

[ragu]

unless you take him to the court and pay high lawyer fees, a complaint won't do shit all....

[DayGlow]

Not sure how the RCMP work, but with CPS you don't need a lawyer unless you are looking to get compensation for damages.

Also the complaint will have to be in writing and a malicious complaint that is completely factitious in nature could result in a charge of mischief against the person. ie complaining that a cop was making racist remarks while dragging them out of a car on a traffic stop and putting a gun to their head when the dash cam shows an uneventful stop. I can't think of any time where someone has been charged, but it is a possibility.

The complaint has to be in writing for it to have any weight so staying anonymous isn't possible.

[Crymson]

If you don't hear anything back, or are upset about how your complaint is handled, make sure you take it to the Alberta Law Enforcement Apeal Board.

http://www.solgps.alberta.ca/boards_...s/default.aspx

Questions: What is an appeal?
Answer: The Alberta Police Act provides the opportunity for a citizen to complain about the conduct of a police officer. The citizen must first file a complaint with the police service who employs the officer. The police service will then conduct an investigation to determine whether or not the conduct of the complained about officer constitutes misconduct. The chief of police will issue a decision letter to the citizen advising them of the outcome of the investigation and their right to appeal to the Law Enforcement Review Board if they are not satisfied with the findings.

If either the citizen or the affected officer(s) disagrees with the conclusion of the chief of police, they may appeal the decision to the Board. The Board will hold a public hearing into the matter and issue a written decision.

[Eleanor]

Originally posted by BigMass
so your life doesn’t become a living hell courtesy of some people that are above the law?

[revelations]

With the RCMP you can go two ways (AFAIK) and it depends on what you want to accomplish - disciplinary action or a mere verbal "dont do it again" from the watch commander to the officer.


- talk to the watch commander of the shift the officer is on and speak to him/her about the conduct of the officer.

***Be very courteous and professional***
(otherwise youre just wasting your own time)

If the officer has many previous complaints, speaking to the watch commander will likely result in action.

You dont have to give your name if you choose not to.



- go through the litany of paperwork and lodge a formal complaint which entails full disclosure of events and details.