RCMP release sexual assault review findings
Kelowna RCMP are taking action after a review found a number of sexual assault files were not handled properly by their officers.
Following reports that identified Kelowna as having a high number of unfounded sexual assault files compared to the provincial average, the RCMP National Headquarters Sexual Assault Review Team (SART) reviewed Kelowna sexual assault files from 2018 and 2019.
A total of 66 files from 2018 and 2019 were reviewed to find out if they were complete, accurately documented and appropriately classified within the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) survey.
Twenty-nine of the cases were found to be incorrectly scored and 12 cases were recommended for further investigation.
Twenty-five of the cases remained unfounded.
“The use of the wrong UCR codes was the most common issue identified during the review. Based on the SART review and the correction in the classification of files, Kelowna’s unfounded sexual assault rate is fact in line with the provincial average,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy.
Based on the recommendations, RCMP say any files that were identified for additional investigation will be investigated further, which they say has already started.
Beginning in March, Kelowna RCMP employees who work with UCR scoring will have additional training on UCR code input. In addition, all Kelowna RCMP members are in the process of receiving additional training with respect to sexual consent law, and additional training, formal and informal, on trauma-informed practices and bias awareness.
“Since November, the detachment has engaged SART and representatives from RCMP National Headquarters Information and Technology Data Quality unit to ensure Kelowna is maintaining standards consistent with other policing agencies. It is anticipated that the increased training and ongoing consultation will help increase the quality of sexual assault investigations and UCR scoring,” Noseworthy added.
Kelowna RCMP will also create a dedicated sexual assault unit to provide investigative support to officers.
“The unit will be responsible for reviewing all sexual assault files to ensure all investigations are consistent, complete, accurately documented, trauma-informed and scored correctly,” said Noseworthy.
Prior the SART review, Kelowna RCMP began to plan to remodel its general investigation unit to provide better support to members and enhance overall policing service. This month an eight person, plain clothes, general investigation support team (GIST) will be created to work directly with members. Four more members will augment this unit later this year.
Noseworthy said Kelowna RCMP remain steadfast in their commitment to improving internal processes, educating and training employees on sexual assault investigations.
“Sexual assault complaints can be extremely difficult and complicated investigations that cover a broad spectrum of offences. They are especially troubling crimes due to the personal and intimate nature of the offence.”
“The dedicated women and men at Kelowna Detachment are committed to helping their community and providing a quality police service that everyone can trust, especially when it comes to reporting sexual assaults. Kelowna RCMP take all reports of sexual violence seriously and will thoroughly investigate any report brought forward,” Noseworthy concluded.
Kelowna’s mayor is thanking the women who came forward with concerns about how Kelowna RCMP dealt with sexual assualt cases, saying that took courage and will make a difference for those who come forward in the future.
“It’s Council’s expectation that everyone is dealt with fairly and with dignity,” said Colin Basran in a statement.
Basran said the RCMP have been dealing with serious concerns related to sexual assault and harassment for a number of months.
“Today, we have the results of the federal investigating units’ audit of unfounded sexual assault claims that show classification errors were made and Kelowna’s rate of unfounded sexual assaults is more in line with the provincial average.
“Superintendent Mundle has advised the City that the detachment leadership is changing the way serious complaints like sexual assault or other violent crimes are handled. Specifically, there will be additional specialized training in areas such as sexual consent law, trauma-informed practices and bias awareness. The detachment will also create a dedicated Sexual Assault Unit to provide investigative support to frontline officers.”