Watchdog says military police still resisting civilian oversight
The issue of civilian oversight within the Canadian Forces provost marshal’s office has come under scrutiny by the Military Police Complaints Commission. The watchdog’s latest report highlights a concerning trend of resistance to civilian oversight, with the provost marshal’s office being accused of obstructing complaints based on a questionable interpretation of the National Defence Act.
According to the report released by the commission, the provost marshal’s office has been failing to inform complainants of their right to have their cases reviewed by the complaints commission as required by law. Additionally, the office has been routinely ignoring complaints related to interference cases, where military police members allege that individuals within the Canadian Armed Forces or the Department of National Defence have tried to influence an investigation.
The watchdog’s report points out that the situation has not only persisted but has actually worsened in the past year. The provost marshal’s office is accused of actively avoiding civilian oversight and hindering the complaints process. The report specifically mentions that complaints are being terminated without investigation when a criminal probe is initiated, which goes against the proper protocol of pausing complaints until the conclusion of any criminal proceedings.
In response to the report, Lt.-Cmdr. Melanie Aqiqi, a public affairs officer at the provost marshal’s office, acknowledged the criticism and stated that they are fully committed to the commission’s mandate. Aqiqi emphasized that all recommendations from the Military Police Complaints Commission are carefully considered for their merit, practicality, and effectiveness in bringing about positive changes. However, she denied the claim that complaints are being terminated without investigation in cases involving criminal proceedings.
The report calls for reform of the National Defence Act to ensure that the commission has access to the necessary information to investigate complaints thoroughly. It also highlights that the issue of resistance to civilian oversight primarily stems from senior leadership within the provost marshal’s office, rather than individual members of the military police.
Despite these challenges, Aqiqi reassured that the provost marshal’s office remains committed to a fair, transparent, and independent process for addressing public complaints. Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan recently took over command of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal’s office, replacing Maj.-Gen. Simon Trudeau, signaling a potential shift in leadership and a renewed focus on addressing the concerns raised in the watchdog’s report.
Overall, the report underscores the importance of upholding civilian oversight within the military police and ensuring that proper procedures are followed to maintain accountability and transparency in the Canadian Armed Forces.
