The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C. has determined there’s no connection between the actions of Victoria police and the death of a child last year.
The civilian oversight agency on Tuesday (Nov. 28) released the findings of its investigation into the child’s death on March 24, 2022.
On that day, VicPD officers conducted a well-being check on a woman and child after being requested to do so. The woman called paramedics later that day regarding the child before both the woman and her baby were taken to the hospital. The infant was pronounced dead later that night.
“The IIO has reviewed all available evidence, and determined there is no connection between the actions or inaction of police and the subsequent death of the child,” the IIO said in its decision.
The agency also said VicPD is currently conducting investigations related to the infant’s death.
Police news releases from the time said officers conducted a check well-being call involving the parent and child in the early morning hours of March 24, 2022, in the 900 block of Johnson Street. The call to paramedics came in just after 7 p.m. that night.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) took over the investigation two days after the death before it was handed back to VicPD’s major crime unit on March 31, 2022.
The IIO investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.
READ: Child’s sudden death investigation now being handled by Victoria police