Pro-Palestinian groups file complaints against the VPD

Vancouver’s police board has approved an outside investigator to look into complaints stemming from pro-Palestinian protests.

One complaint concerns concerns about the Vancouver Police Department’s surveillance of protesters using technology such as drones, cellphones and body-worn cameras.

The British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) and other local legal groups say such surveillance is unnecessary and threatens the privacy of demonstrators and others.

“We are concerned about the VPD’s increased surveillance and monitoring of pro-Palestinian solidarity protesters,” said Meena Dillon, managing attorney at the South Asian Legal Clinic of British Columbia.

In response, the Vancouver Police Department agreed to appoint an outside investigator to investigate the complaint.

Board director Allan Black told the floor that Bob Rolls was the recommended candidate for the position after a “careful review.”

Rolls was a former deputy police chief who retired in 2010. The board says he also served on the Surrey County Police Board and the British Columbia Judicial Council.

Ahead of the vote, Black was asked if Rolls had dealt with anti-Palestinian and human rights issues in the past, but he could not say.

“He would have any information he would need, any information from VPD, human resources, human rights and legal information,” Black said.

Black told the room that the board believes Rolls will be objective and thorough in his report.

Moments after the approval, the BCCLA told CTV News it had concerns about potential bias.

“It’s hard to believe there won’t be bias,” said Megan McDermott, BCCLA policy director.

“I just think it’s disgusting. I think it’s a show. This is theater, and it does not aim to understand the seriousness of the problems.”

A second complaint heard Thursday concerns excessive use of force by police during a May 31 demonstration that blocked an intersection and a railroad crossing in East Vancouver.

That day, 13 people were detained and charged.

Unlike the other complaint, the police board says it will delay the use-of-force complaint until the trial is over.