RCMP Issue Update on Kamloops Cell Block Incident

By 250 News

Kamloops, B.C. -  The RCMP have released further information regarding  the actions of four Kamloops Detachment members who, along with three civilian staff members, were allegedly involved in an incident in the Kamloops Detachment cell block on August 18th.

According to a release from the RCMP "Preliminary findings indicate that the incident began after two women had been arrested in two unrelated incidents for causing a disturbance and being drunk in public were lodged in the same cell, which is monitored by closed circuit video. The women began to engage in what appeared to be consensual sexual contact, and it is alleged that four male regular members, two male civilian cell guards and a male civilian watch clerk observed this activity on the video monitor for approximately seven minutes without intervening."

The RCMP say the cell block CCTV system captured the entire incident that took place inside the cell involving the two women, "and it also clearly depicts which RCMP and municipal employees were present, in what order they arrived, and the duration they remained. The video evidence is clear and will inform the criminal investigation process and be part of the information package forwarded to Crown Counsel for their consideration regarding charge approval."

An internal and criminal investigation were launched immediately after the incident was brought to the attention of Kamloops Detachment senior management by an RCMP employee on August 23rd.

A criminal investigation involving all seven employees is being conducted by Kamloops Detachment Serious Crimes Section with assistance from the E Division Major Crimes Section. In addition, RCMP internal Code of Conduct investigations have been launched against the supervising Corporal and three Constables. The Corporal, who at the time of the incident was the acting Watch Commander, was placed on administrative duties immediately by the Officer in Charge, Kamloops Detachment. The three Constables were permitted to remain in their present positions pending a full review of their duty status.

The supervising Corporal has 20 years of service with the RCMP. The Constables have one, two and seven years of service. The duty status of all four of these members has been reviewed by the Acting Commanding Officer of E Division and a decision regarding their duty status has been made. This decision will be made public after the four members have been advised.

A criminal investigation has also been launched by the Kamloops Detachment Serious Crimes Section in relation to the sexual contact between the two women.  The RCMP will not be commenting on media reports concerning a health condition of one of the women.

The City of Kamloops, which employs the civilian cell guards and watch clerk, is conducting its own parallel investigation into the actions of its employees.

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