Concerns are mounting over how the New Brunswick Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are handling complaints related to sexual violence, following troubling allegations and past reviews highlighting serious deficiencies. Despite the introduction of new training protocols and investigative procedures, many feel the force still has work to do.
This scrutiny isn't new. Back in 2017, after the Globe and Mail launched investigations exposing unfounded sexual assault cases across Canada, the New Brunswick RCMP implemented changes. Yet, the latest revelations indicate persistent issues, casting doubt on their effectiveness.
Recent findings show over 2,600 allegations made against the RCMP between 2015 and 2022, with only three percent deemed substantiated. The majority of complaints remained unsupported or unresolved, raising eyebrows about accountability within the ranks.
A notable incident involved two complaints lodged against officers from Moncton and Oromocto, accused of mishandling reports of sexual assault. The Moncton constable allegedly mocked the victim during her complaint, which sadly reflects broader issues. Out of numerous cases analyzed since then, disappointing patterns emerged across New Brunswick.
Figures from the provincial government's crime dashboard reveal 2,168 sexual assaults reported to the RCMP from 2018 to 2022, with almost 47 percent of charges cleared. But many advocates assert more focus is needed, particularly on the treatment of victims during investigations.
According to Andie Marks of Sexual Violence New Brunswick, the RCMP’s approach requires improvement. She stated, ‘Even if there isn’t a conviction, if they feel believed and supported, it changes their experience within the criminal justice system.’ Marks collaborates with officers regularly and perceives some openness and progress since the initial complaints were raised.
Despite advancements, 39 percent of the RCMP's officers across New Brunswick remain untrained in specialized interviewing techniques necessary for handling sensitive cases involving sexual violence. The necessity for such specialized skills was underscored by Mark’s experience with the RCMP, noting, ‘Those early conversations with police are monumental.’
Critically, the 2017 review revealed only 52 out of over 800 officers had special training for investigating sexual violence, highlighting the need for immediate reform and improvement. Investigator training has since improved, with 86 percent of frontline officers now trained, but skepticism remains about whether this effort is going far enough.
An RCMP spokesperson, Cpl. Hans Ouellette, emphasized the importance of advancing protocols and ensuring officers are equipped to deal with cases of sexual violence. “We will hear you, and we will believe you,” he remarked. Yet, public trust continues to erode amid past complaints and adverse findings.
The 2022 report by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission noted dozens of adverse findings from sexual assault cases involving the RCMP. Such cases included inadequate investigations and insufficient attention to the nuances of consent, affirming claims from victims and advocates alike.
Marks advocates for the expansion of case review committees to enable comprehensive reviews for every survivor-desiring justice, urging for more ‘...sexual violence coordinators hired and spread throughout the province.’ This call reflects the need to understand the unique challenges rural communities face compared to urban policing.
The general sentiment from victims and advocate voices alike is clear—they seek not only justice but also recognition of their experiences and the trauma they endure. There’s hope among advocates like Marks, stemming from collaborative changes initiated by the RCMP. The goal is to minimize what they label as ‘secondary wounding’—the additional trauma suffered by victims during investigations.
Support and training through resources offered by Sexual Violence New Brunswick aim to replace past practices seen as detrimental to victims. The goal? Create more welcoming environments for survivors and rethink outdated interrogation styles, all underlining the importance of empathy and awareness surrounding sexual assault cases.
Looking forward, the RCMP faces both the challenge and responsibility to substantiate their commitment to reform. Addressing these issues head-on is necessary not only for public trust but also for honoring the experiences of those seeking help. The recent efforts reflect awareness of past deficiencies, but it remains to be seen how effectively these changes resonate for victims and impact the RCMP’s practices moving forward.
While some changes are clear, advocates remain vigilant, urging continual improvement and accountability. Questions surrounding what more is needed linger, as reports and reviews evolve alongside community expectations of law enforcement. This isn't merely about statistics—it's about lives affected drastically by how complaints of sexual violence are treated. The call for action remains strong, reflecting the urgency to create safer processes within policing.
