Prosecution Service responds to Kelowna RCMP criticisms

The B.C. Prosecution Service says information shared by the Kelowna RCMP regarding processing reports is erroneous.

The Prosecution Service (BCPS) says RCMP told Kelowna City Council that 78 per cent of charges sent to the BCPS in 2021 had not been assessed, and that of the 3,358 charges of violence, mischief and other offences, 2,675, or nearly 80 per cent, were still awaiting assessment.

The BCPS issued a release Friday, saying the “statements are grossly inaccurate and they unjustifiably cast doubt on the professionalism and effectiveness of hard-working Crown counsel.”

The BCPS said there is no Crown charge assessment backlog, and that the majority of reports to Crown counsel from the Kelowna RCMP in 2021 were assessed within 30 days or less, have been approved, and are currently pending before the court, awaiting disposition, trial or sentencing.

“A small number, approximately 120 in total, are either awaiting assessment by Crown counsel or have been returned to the police for further information or follow up,” said the BCPS.

It’s noted that the officer in charge of the Kelowna RCMP contacted senior Crown counsel after the quotes from the city council meeting were reported by the media and has acknowledged that the statements had been inaccurate and has apologized.