Mandate

The Commission was established as a quasi-judicial, independent civilian agency to examine complaints arising from either the conduct of military police members in the exercise of policing duties or functions or from interference in or obstruction of their police investigations.

To carry out this mandate, the Chair has the power to investigate, to cause the Commission to conduct an investigation, convene public hearings, report its findings and make recommendations based on those findings. Depending on the circumstances, these findings and recommendations are submitted to designated senior officers in the Canadian Forces, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, and the Minister of National Defence.

The designated officials are obliged to report in writing to both the Minister and the Chair of the Commission, explaining the action they have taken or plan to take in response to the Commission's recommendations. Similarly, officials must explain to the Minister and the Chair if action is not taken on any of the Commission's recommendations.

While the Commission does have significant powers, it attempts at all times to resolve complaints as informally and as expeditiously as possible. In all cases, the Commission's actions are governed by its desire to help military police to be as effective and as professional as possible in their policing duties and functions.