Richard Rosenthal: The Independent Investigations Office and Civilian Oversight of Policing in BC

November 13, 2012

SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement in partnership with the BC Civil Liberties Association and Pivot Legal Society present a talk and panel discussion:

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO or Office) has been established to conduct criminal investigations into incidents that involve B.C. police officers and result in death or serious harm. It is a civilian-led Office that has been established in accordance with the recommendations made by the Braidwood and the Davies Inquiries.

The long-term goal is to set a new standard for civilian-led investigation and accountability that will enhance the public’s faith in the dedicated officers working to keep them safe. The Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal has stated that the public can expect an investigative approach that will be transparent, accountable and fair to citizens and to those who may be subject to an IIO investigation.

Richard Rosenthal was appointed BC’s first Chief Civilian Director of the Independent Investigations Office on January 9, 2012. He has extensive experience in civilian oversight of law enforcement having served for 15 years as deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County, where he worked on various assignments, including:
• The central trials division, prosecuting violent felonies, including homicides
• The major fraud division, investigating and prosecuting high-profile financial crimes.
• The special investigation division, where he investigated and prosecuted public officials, judges and police officers.

Panelists include David Eby from the BC Civil Liberties Association and Doug King from Pivot Legal Society.