New Independent Investigations Office head vows 'timely' results

The new civilian head of the province's Independent Investigations Office says he is focused on concluding cases in a manner that is as 'timely as possible.' Ron MacDonald was introduced as the head of the police watchdog organization on Thursday morning.

"There is no question that every investigation thatan independent investigative unit like this does should be done as quickly apossible. But it also must be completed asthoroughlyas possible." said MacDonald. "I understand that delays are difficult for everyoneinvolved. The public, thepoliceofficerand the government. These need to be done as timely as possible."

MacDonaldcomes to B.C. from Nova Scotia where he held a similar role as director of the Serious Incident Response Team.

The IIO has come under pressure to speed up investigations. The independent body is responsible for investigating incidents involving police that resulted inserious injury or death. Some investigations have takenup to 18 months to complete.

The IIO took 15 months to complete an investigation into the death of Hudson Brooks.The IIO says it took that long, because it was waiting for a key ballistics report to be completed.

Brooks was killed by police on July 18, 2015. There have been nocharges laid in his death, nor have RCMP involved in his killing been cleared..

"I really hope the investigations going forward won't take 15 months. That they will give you information as a parents," said Jennifer Boroks, Hudson's mom. "You should know who it was, male or female, that shot your child and not sit there in agony and think how did this happen.

The organization MacDonald takes over has been eternally dogged by problems.

Its former head, Richard Rosenthal, left four months earlier than expected. And in 2015,the IIO was investigatedfor allegations of bullying and harassment, supposedly due to the culture clash resulting from the hiring of former officers.

Seventeen investigators and five non-investigative staff left the IIO within its first 28 months of operation.

"BritishColumbianshave trust in the police and their commitment to protecting our communities," said Solicitor General MikeFarnworth.

"The work of the IIO is critical to maintaining that public trust and police accountability through civilian oversight."