The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an allegation that Brandon Police Service (BPS) officers fabricated evidence after an arrest in February 2021.
On December 1, 2023, BPS notified the IIU of a complaint received on October 14, 2023. The complaint was made by the affected person (AP), who had been charged with the February 2021 robbery of a Brandon 7-Eleven store. The AP alleged that BPS officers had falsely charged him and had fabricated evidence. As part of the complaint, the AP stated he was not living in Brandon at the time of the offence; the witness statements inaccurately referenced a “kitchen area” in the 7-Eleven store; and there is a conspiracy between the police report case number and one of the officer’s badge number.
As this matter concerned an allegation of fabricating evidence, which is a prescribed offence under IIU regulations, the IIU assumed responsibility for this investigation in accordance with Sec. 66(4) of the Police Services Act. Investigators obtained a statement from AP and reviewed evidence from the February 2021 robbery, including video footage, investigator and incident reports, and witness statements. No subject officers or witness officers were designated.
Following due consideration of the circumstances and a thorough review of the evidence, the civilian director concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that any police officers fabricated evidence against the AP. Therefore, the IIU investigation is completed, and the matter is now closed.
The details of the investigation were first announced on Dec. 6, 2023.
