Prince George, B.C. – The head of the RCMP detachment in Kelowna, Supt. Bill McKinnon, has issued a public statement on the conviction of one of his members.  This is his statement: On February 23rd, 2010, a public complaint was made alleging an assault by Cst. Chris Brinnen. This relates to an incident that occurred on February 15, 2010. I assigned the Professional Standards Unit to investigate and, on July 15, 2010, they submitted a report to Crown Counsel.

I also ordered an Internal Code of Conduct investigation and later recommended formal discipline.

On August 11, 2010, Crown Counsel approved one count of assault.

Today, Cst. Brinnen was found guilty of one count of assault. The judge found that:

• Cst. Brinnen and his police dog were in their police vehicle patrolling Leon Avenue during bar close.
• Cst. Brinnen had an encounter with one of the patrons who was leaving a night club.
• There was a verbal exchange between Cst. Brinnen and a male patron, which led to a brief foot pursuit in an alley.
• Cst. Brinnen and his dog caught up to the male who was attempting to scale a fence.
• The judge stated that the male “turned and brought his arms up” and that “Cst. Brinnen instantly closed in and struck the male.”

The judge found that Cst. Brinnen used excessive force in trying to apprehend the male patron and he stated that Cst Brinnen “operated too fast and went too far” and that “there were other reasonable options available.”

I have immediately placed the member on administrative duties while a comprehensive operational readiness assessment is conducted. This assessment will involve a number of steps including a review of the judge’s comments.