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The Kelowna RCMP says 12 sex assault files, previously declared “unfounded,” have been recommended for additional investigation as a part of a review of sex-assault complaints filed at the detachment.
The RCMP National Headquarters Sexual Assault Review Team took a second look at 30 Kelowna sex assault files from 2018 and 36 files from 2019 in response to news that Kelowna had a much higher “unfounded” sex assault rate than the national average.
Police classify a file as “unfounded” when an investigation determines “that the offence has not occurred or been attempted." In Kelowna nearly 40 per cent sex assaults were classified that way, compared to roughly 15 per cent across B.C.
In long-awaited results of a review released Thursday, the Kelowna RCMP says 25 files were confirmed as unfounded, 12 previously unfounded files were recommended for further investigation while 30 files were incorrectly scored.
The Kelowna RCMP says the use of incorrect scoring codes was the “most common issue” identified during the review.
“Based on the SART review and the correction in the classification of files, Kelowna’s unfounded sexual assault rate is fact in line with the provincial average,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said.
Cpl. Noseworthy says it has already started investigating the files recommended to them and will launch additional training for staff that score files. RCMP officers will also receive additional training with respect to sexual consent law.
A wider review of the entire detachment "specific to the quality of investigations and supervision" will also be conducted.
The Kelowna RCMP says it will also be launching a dedicated sexual assault unit, something local advocates have been requesting for months.
“The unit will be responsible for reviewing all sexual assault files to ensure all investigations are consistent, complete, accurately documented, trauma-informed and scored correctly,” Cpl. Noseworthy said, adding the team will provide the detachment with “in-house expertise” and work with community partners such as the Elizabeth Fry Society.
The detachment also says it is remodelling its general investigation unit to enhance overall policing services in response to the review.
“Sexual assault complaints can be extremely difficult and complicated investigations that cover a broad spectrum of offences. They are especially troubling crimes due to the personal and intimate nature of the offence,” Cpl. Noseworthy said.
She added the detachment takes “all reports of sexual violence seriously and will thoroughly investigate any report brought forward.”
