The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has completed its investigation into an offence by Winnipeg Police Services (WPS) involving an injury to a suspect in Winnipeg.
On Feb. 5, 2018, the WPS notified the IIU police were investigating an incident involving WPS officers and use of force on Feb. 2, 2018. During the course of the investigation, new information was revealed about a potential criminal code offence regarding an officer. On Jan. 29, 2019, the WPS acknowledged the concerns regarding the officer’s actions and the IIU began a separate investigation into these actions on Jan. 31, 2019.
The allegation of obstruction of justice is a prescribed offence under IIU regulation 99/2015 and constitutes a mandatory investigation under the Police Services Act.
IIU investigators were assigned to this case and the civilian director designated one subject officer and five witness officers.
Following the completion of the investigation, the full and complete file was referred to the Manitoba Prosecution Service (MPS) to seek an opinion whether any criminal charges would be authorized. MPS noted although the officer provided incorrect advice, there was no intent to defeat the course of justice. Further, there was no public interest in prosecuting the matter as the misunderstanding amounts to an error, rather than something that requires charges to be laid.
