The British Columbia police watchdog has opened a new office in Nanaimo to enhance investigative operations on Vancouver Island.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. (IIOBC) confirmed in its 2024-25 annual report that the regional office on Uplands Drive is now fully operational. The initiative to establish regional offices began in 2023-24, according to IIOBC spokesperson Simon Druker. Nanaimo was selected for its central location on the island, which is expected to improve response times, strengthen recruitment and retention, and enhance collaboration with local governments, Indigenous communities, and police agencies.
So far in 2025, three cases involving the Nanaimo RCMP have been opened. One ongoing investigation from April 20 involves an arrest where a man reportedly suffered a “self-inflicted” injury. Another, from April 26, concerns a motorcycle stop that resulted in injuries to the operator and a passenger. A February 8 file involving serious harm has concluded without a public report.
Druker noted that public reports may be released if the chief civilian director deems it in the public interest. Over the past five years, the Nanaimo RCMP has averaged three to five files annually under IIOBC review.
In May 2022, a constable was acquitted in a 2018 case after being charged with an incident in Nanaimo. The presiding judge acknowledged that the woman involved sustained significant injuries but found the officer’s actions to be reasonable and proportionate to protect himself during the encounter.
Another case remains pending for a 2021 incident on the Trans-Canada Highway in Ladysmith, where a man sustained dog-bite injuries during a police stop.
The Nanaimo RCMP said it could not comment directly on the IIOBC cases, as all inquiries must go through B.C. RCMP headquarters. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, a senior media relations officer, emphasized the importance of independent oversight.
“Independent oversight is a critical component to maintaining public trust in the police when actions result in serious harm or death,” Clark said. “Having a fully independent body investigate such incidents supports transparency and helps prevent public concerns over ‘police investigating police.’”
Clark added that the B.C. RCMP maintains a positive working relationship with the IIO. Investigations often receive support from specialized police resources like forensic identification services. However, direct communication is usually limited to sharing information that may assist in ongoing investigations.
The IIOBC reported initiating 174 new investigations across British Columbia in 2024-25. During the same period, 195 files were concluded, and 12 cases were recommended to Crown counsel for potential charges.
The new Nanaimo office reflects a broader effort to make police oversight more accessible and responsive throughout Vancouver Island. By positioning investigators closer to incidents, the IIOBC aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and public confidence in police accountability.
