The search to find the chief civilian director for the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is now underway, Attorney General Barry Penner announced.

The successful candidate will lead a new, independent, civilian-led office that will investigate serious incidents involving B.C. police officers.

The chief civilian director position is a five-year order-in-council appointment, with the possibility of a second five-year appointment. The director will be responsible for maintaining confidence in British Columbia's police services by assuring the public that police actions resulting in serious injury or death are subjected to rigorous, independent investigation.

The complete job profile for the chief civilian director is available on the BC Public Service website at: http://www.employment.gov.bc.ca/executive

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, Aug. 16.

To ensure there is no perception of bias, the new director cannot be a person who is a current or former member of a police force or the RCMP.

The chief civilian director is responsible under the Police Act for the independent management, administration and operation of the IIO and for overseeing the independent investigations conducted by the IIO.

The B.C. government continues to make progress assessing the IIO's location, budget and staffing requirements. The office is expected to be operational by the end of this year.

Contact:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Attorney General
250 387-4962
250 889-5945 (cell)