Image: IIO / After reviewing phone records, police reports and medical files, the civilian watchdog tasked with investigating police incidents involving serious harm or death in B.C. has cleared the Abbotsford PD of any wrongdoing after a man died at his home in December 2023.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

IIO investigation

IIO clears Abbotsford Police Dept. after man dies at his home

Jun 20, 2024 | 9:55 AM

ABBOTSFORD — After reviewing phone records, police reports and medical files, the civilian watchdog agency tasked with investigating police incidents involving serious harm or death in B.C. has cleared the Abbotsford PD of any wrongdoing after a man died at his home in December 2023.

According to a statement Thursday morning (June 20), the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC says it has now completed its investigation into the death of a man in Abbotsford (IIO 2024-022).

The IIO says police officers from the Abbotsford Police Department responded to a December 30, 2023 call from a person reporting that their friend, a man, was considering self-harm. The following day (December 31, 2023), the man was found deceased at his home.

On February 1, 2024, the IIO became aware of the police contact and man’s death by the person who called police. An investigation was pursued to determine what role, if any, police action or inaction may have played in the man’s passing.

The IIO says evidence shows that police and a mental health professional found and spoke to the man the same day the caller reported their concerns (December 30, 2023). Following the mental health professional’s assessment, they concluded that the man did not meet the criteria to be apprehended under the Mental Health Act. The man was transported home where he resided with a family member who was present.

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Medical information obtained during the IIO investigation reveals that the death appears to have been accidental.

The Interim chief civilian director has reviewed the evidence – including phone records, medical information, and police reports – and determined that there is no connection between police action or inaction and the man’s tragic death. All available information has revealed that there were no reasonable grounds for the man to have been apprehended on December 30.

The IIO investigation has now been concluded.