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RCMP watchdog clarifies Beckett crash investigation

Fallen officer’s actions are not subject of investigators' scrutiny


The Independent Investigation Office of B.C. (IIO) wants to clarify one detail in its continuing inquiry into the April 5 crash in Langford that led to the death of a West Shore RCMP officer.

“Const. Sarah Beckett is not the subject officer,” said Aidan Buckley, IIO communications and stakeholder relations liaison. “Const. Beckett’s actions are not the focus of the investigation.”

Buckley clarified that Beckett, a 32-year-old mother of two, is the “affected” person in this investigation. That refers to someone who may have suffered serious harm – in this case death – due to the actions or inactions of police members.

“There’s a lot of interest in this case,” Buckley said. “It is something we are really pushing to get more information on.”

The IIO is a civilian-led agency that investigates all officer-related incidents that result in death or serious harm, as defined in Part 11 of the Police Act. The police watchdog is investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision at the Peatt Road and Goldstream Avenue intersection, to determine whether the actions or inactions of an officer may have contributed to the crash.

While the IIO was originally notified when the crash occurred, they did not begin their investigation until it was revealed that police attempted to stop the suspect vehicle prior to the collision.

The criminal investigation is being led by the RCMP Island District General Investigations Section. The Saanich Police Department conducted the investigation into the collision scene and recently forwarded a copy of that report to the RCMP.

A media relations officer from the RCMP’s “E” Division (B.C.) said there is no new information regarding the investigation at this time.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com