The following story discusses the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge and may be distressing for some readers
Separate from the ongoing RCMP Investigation into the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, the Independent Investigations Office of BC has announced it is looking into whether its investigative mandate has been met and if it has the grounds to proceed with a full investigation of its own into the RCMP response to the shooting.
The IIO is an independent organization serving as the Province’s police watchdog, and is activated to look into all incidents involving police that result in serious harm or death. In this case, the IIO confirmed it was informed that RCMP officers were inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at the time when the shooter had taken her own life, prompting them to begin their early investigative work.
This week’s announcement was procedural, and standard practice following a major incident, serving as the official notice that the IIO has begun the process of determining if officer action or inaction had played a role in the deaths that had occurred during the mass shooting.
Jessica Berglund, the IIO’s Chief Civilian Director, offered her condolences to all families affected by the profound loss as she announced the IIO begins its initial work.
She added that she appreciates both the community’s and the general public’s patience in the days ahead as the work gets underway, noting it will be some time before any information is publicly released, so as to ensure it’s conducted thoroughly, fairly, and independently and does not impact any ongoing investigations.
Crisis supports remain available locally in Tumbler Ridge at the community center on 340 Front Street, and elsewhere in the Province via the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, and the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. The Kids Help Phone is also available at 1-800-668-6868, or by texting ‘CONNECT to 686868.
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