SURREY – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) confirms that investigators have been deployed to Prince George in response to a fatal police shooting.

The IIO was notified by Prince George RCMP of the incident  just after 7:30 last night.

According to the notification, police had been involved in an incident throughout the day requiring the dispatch of the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT). During the course of the incident, contact was made with an individual. One shot was fired resulting in the death of this person.

IIO investigators were deployed and were on scene in Prince George just after midnight and  took  jurisdiction  over  the incident.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Chief Civilian Director and B.C.’s police services, the scene was held and secured until IIO investigators arrived. Additional IIO investigators are en route to Prince George this morning, including a specialised investigator who will assist any family members or other persons affected by the investigation.

By late morning today, it is expected that a total of 10 IIO staff will be in Prince George.

Over the course of the IIO investigation, it is expected that the IIO and RCMP will work within the parameters set out in the MOU including meeting the expectations related to co-operation, scene examination and seizing of evidence, and interviews with witness officers.

Once the IIO investigation is completed, the Chief Civilian Director will determine if he believes an offence may have taken place and if yes, he will make a report to Crown counsel. The Chief Civilian Director intends to issue a public report at the time he makes such decisions.

As set by the Chief Civilian Director, the IIO’s goals are to conduct fair, unbiased, timely, thorough and competent investigations and ensure transparency through public reporting.