Special prosecutor named in Dziekanski case

The B.C. government has appointed a special prosecutor toreopen the investigation into the actions of the four RCMP officers linked to the death of Robert Dziekanski, Attorney General Mike de Jong says.

The move follows the release of retired justice Thomas Braidwood's harshly critical final report into the fatal incident at Vancouver airport in October 2007.

"There was misconduct here and that reflects badly, and that's why Mr. Braidwood used the language that he did," de Jong said in a statement issued Friday.

Richard Peck,a noted Vancouver criminal lawyer, hasexperienceas a special prosecutor in both British Columbiaand Ontario.

Special prosecutors are appointed to avoid any appearance ofconflict of interest incases where public officials may be investigated.

Civilian oversight unit planned

The government will also act immediately to implement all of the recommendations in the final report, including setting up a civilian-led unit to investigate all deaths and serious incidents involving municipal police and RCMP, said de Jong.

"B.C. agrees with the intent, [principle] and purpose of each of the report's recommendations," he said.

The new Independent Investigation Officewill have a mandate to conduct criminal investigations into police-related incidents involving death or serious harm, with discretion topursue other investigations, he said.

The IIOwill also be:

• Led by a civilian who has never served as police officer in Canada.
• Accountable to the Ministry of Attorney General.
• Have its powers entrenched in legislation.

De Jong said the province will also implement several other recommendations contained in Braidwood's final report, including urging the federal government to ensure that the Canada Border Services Agency and the Vancouver Airport Authority:

• Improve tracking of international passengers through customs.
• Implement systems that allow for communication between passengers and people who are there to greet them.
• Provide interpreter services.
• Enhance security and medical response policies.