News Release

Military Police Complaints Commission Reports on Challenging Year

"It's been a challenging year," according to Interim Chairperson, Henry Kostuck, who assumed the position in December following the completion of Louise Cobetto's five-year term as the MPCC's first Chairperson. "We monitored dozens of cases, launched exhaustive reviews into several of them, and completed a major public interest investigation. At the same time, we undertook a necessary reorganization that eliminated almost half the full-time positions," he added.

Mr. Kostuck explained that the Commission plays a key role in making sure that allegations of misconduct against military police are investigated fully and fairly. Commission Members also hear complaints from military police officers who have reasonable grounds to believe that a member of the Canadian Forces or a senior official with the Department of National Defence (DND) has interfered with a police investigation.

Highlights from the Annual Report included:

• Monitoring a total of 46 complaints about the conduct of military police officers;
• Investigating two complaints of interference with a military police investigation; and,
• Completing a major public interest investigation into an allegation of unlawful arrest and starting a second public interest investigation following two incidents where military police officers detained and searched several youth.

The MPCC opened its doors in December, 1999 and operates independently of DND and the Canadian Forces. Since then, it has provided civilian oversight on almost 300 investigations.

An electronic (pdf) copy of the report can be downloaded from the MPCC's Web site at: http://www.mpcc-cppm.gc.ca/300/3000/2004/menu_e.aspx . Hard copies can be ordered free of charge by calling toll free, 1-800-632-0566.

For more information, contact:
Stanley Blythe
Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the Chairperson
Military Police Complaints Commission
Tel: (613) 947-5704
Fax: (613) 947-5705
e-mail : blythes@mpcc-cppm.gc.ca