Services Offered by the Police Accountability Unit
The Police Accountability Unit (PAU) offers comprehensive legal services ranging from summary advice to pursuing civil actions in court.
The unit can assist clients in any civil (non-criminal) issue relating to policing in BC, including cases related to municipal police forces, RCMP members, bylaw officers, and individuals in other law enforcement roles.
Our lawyers can support with:
- Summary advice
- Filing police complaints
- Pursuing civil actions in court
- Filing complaints before tribunals like the Human Rights Tribunal
- Making Freedom of Information requests
- & more
Specific services will depend on the details of each case. Please contact the PAU to discuss your options with a police accountability lawyer.
Accessing Services
First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals who have experienced police violence, misconduct or negligence in BC can access PAU services.
Any Indigenous person with a police-related issue can self-refer to the PAU at any time by completing our online intake form. If you cannot access the online form or need assistance, you can call the number below. Please leave a message containing your name, contact information, and the approximate date the incident took place, and our team will get back to you within 5 business days.
A potential client may also be referred by any BCFNJC staff member, including staff from an Indigenous Justice Centre or the Indigenous Diversion Centre.
Through a consultation, the PAU will gather information from the potential client, determine if they are eligible for services, and explain their options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PAU?
The Police Accountability Unit is a place for Indigenous people in BC to turn if they experience police violence, misconduct or negligence. Any Indigenous person affected by police action can be referred to the PAU for assistance. The PAU houses a team of lawyers who provide culturally informed legal supports and guidance, free of charge.
Why was the PAU created?
The PAU was created in response to the disproportionately high levels of harmful police interactions experienced by Indigenous communities, and to help guide individuals through the system of oversight and complaints bodies in BC.
This is a service First Nations in BC have been asking for, and it is a step towards Indigenous communities having a meaningful role in police oversight and accountability in the province.
What services are offered?
PAU staff lawyers provide comprehensive legal representation and assistance, including:
- Summary advice
- Filing police complaints
- Pursuing civil actions in court against police
- Filing complaints before tribunals like the Human Rights Tribunal
- Making Freedom of Information requests
- & more
Specific services will depend on the details of each case.
Who can access PAU services?
First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals who have experienced police violence, misconduct or negligence in BC can access PAU services.
What kinds of files will the PAU take on?
The PAU can assist clients in any civil (i.e. non-criminal) issue relating to policing in BC.
Cases may relate to the conduct of municipal police officers, RCMP members, bylaw officers, or individuals in other law enforcement roles.
Any individual affected by police action can be referred to the PAU for assistance.
The PAU cannot assist with other civil issues, such as debt claims, wills and estates, or contractual issues.
What is the referral process?
An Indigenous person with a police-related issue can self-refer to the PAU at any time by completing the online intake form. For individuals who are unable to complete the form or require extra support, please call the number provided below and leave a message. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and the approximate date of your incident. Our team is committed to following up with you in earnest, typically within 5 business days.
A potential client may also be referred by any BCFNJC staff member, including staff from an Indigenous Justice Centre or the Indigenous Diversion Centre.
The PAU will gather information from the potential client and determine If they are eligible for services.
Is the PAU independent?
Yes, the PAU operates independently.
Decisions are solely based on PAU lawyers’ obligations to their clients, without input from government, funders, or BCFNJC Council Members.
What are the existing complaints and oversight bodies in BC?
- Independent Investigations Office (provincial)
- Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (provincial)
- Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (federal)
Who funds the PAU?
BCFNJC is grateful for support from the Law Foundation of BC to operate the PAU.
How does the PAU advance the BC First Nations Justice Strategy?
The PAU advances Strategy 7: Stronger Oversight and Accountability.
While standing up a police accountability unit was not listed as a line of action in the BC First Nations Justice Strategy at the time of creation, the opportunity arose to pilot this Indigenous-led accountability support in 2024.
BCFNJC took the opportunity to launch this service, as it aligns with our mandate to improve justice outcomes for Indigenous people in BC, and was a direct ask from the First Nations we exist to serve.
