RCMP says it plans to review 'unfounded' sexual assault cases

The RCMP says it plans to review sexual assault casesthat were labelled unfounded in 2016 to see if they comply with
police policy and appropriate decision-making based on evidence.

The national police force said in a statement Thursday it wouldalso look at a sample of historical cases.

The moves follow a report by the Globe and Mail that thenewspaper says exposed deep flaws in the way investigators treatsexual assault allegations.

Itanalyzeddata, obtained through freedom-of-information lawsfrom scores of police services, to conclude that police acrossCanada close about one in five sex-assault cases as unfounded.

Unfounded rates vary considerably between provinces and cities,and even between cities in the same region, the newspaper reported.

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Statistics Canada stopped collecting the data in the early 2000sbecause it was concerned police forces weren't using the unfoundedcategory consistently, the newspaper said.

The RCMP says investigations can be challenging and complex indetermining the specific circumstances of an assault allegation, andin identifying and preserving evidence.

The Mounties recently updated their national policy on sexualoffences, and it will soon be published as part of the force'soperations manual. If the review identifies gaps in how sexual assaults areinvestigated, the RCMP will look at more cases and consider whetherfurther policy updates or additional training are required, theforce's statement added.

Given the RCMP's mandate of providing police services to severalprovinces, territories and contracting partners, it must ensure that"an appropriate, co-ordinated national response is put in place."

Review to be based on 'evidenceand not opinion'

However, the result of an investigation must turn on evidence, and not on opinion, the force said.

"To this end, the RCMP continually reviews and updates itspolicies, procedures and training to ensure it is using the mosteffective practices in law enforcement."

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has called on police toreassess how they manage sex-assault complaints. Several forcesacross the country are doing just that.

Move follows planned OPP review

Earlier this week, Ontario Provincial Police said they wouldreview approximately 4,000 sexual assault investigation reports thatwere designated as unfounded.

Commissioner Vince Hawkes said the review would cover allegationsmade between 2010 and 2014.

The OPP takes all reports of sexual assault and violenceseriously and "uses all resources necessary to conduct complete,thorough and professional investigations," Hawkes said.

The OPP will examine the cases over the next several weeks andrelease a statement at the conclusion of the review, which willinclude a summary of the analysis, he said.

If it is determined that any sexual assault report was notproperly investigated by the OPP, the investigation will be
reopened, Hawkes added.