Solicitor General Shirley Bond announced today that she has approved new provincial policing standards that will apply to all police officers working in B.C.

The new standards meet all of the Braidwood Commission recommendations that focused on Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs), commonly known as Tasers. They also replace and update previous use-of-force and training regulations and make them binding on police in B.C., including the RCMP, which has agreed to meet or exceed these provincial standards.

New training that covers CEW use, as well as crisis intervention and de-escalation, is also required for new recruits and advancing officers. Beyond the Braidwood recommendations, there is also a new standard concerning video surveillance in police buildings.

After receiving Justice Thomas Braidwood, QC's first report in 2009, the Solicitor General directed all police to implement the recommendations around use of force immediately. In 2010, the Province amended the Police Act to allow for the creation of provincial policing standards so it can quickly and effectively respond to changes in the policing environment.

The new standards were developed with police and non-police experts, such as mental-health and addictions agencies, police boards and police training academies. The Province will continue to develop future standards in consultation with police, communities and other stakeholders.

Quick Facts:

• The majority of the new standards relate to Braidwood's first report. Standards regarding video surveillance and recording in police buildings have been developed in response to the death of Ian Bush.
• Most of these standards come into effect Jan. 30, 2012.
• Some standards come into force at later dates to allow for budgeting, planning and phased implementation.

Learn More:

The Braidwood Commissions of Inquiry: www.braidwoodinquiry.ca/

Provincial policing standards and summary of Braidwood's recommendations: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/

Contact:

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961