Police could be charged after woman’s jaw broken in Langford, B.C., jail

SURREY, B.C. – British Columbia’s police watchdog has determined charges could be laid against RCMP officers after a woman’s jaw was broken in a Langford jail.

The Independent Investigations Office has forwarded a report to the Crown saying an officer may have committed an offence.

The IIO says a woman suffered serious injuries including a broken jaw during an altercation with officers at the West Shore RCMP detachment in March 2014.

The police watchdog says it was not informed of the incident until 14 months later and has filed a complaint with the RCMP regarding the delay.

The Criminal Justice Branch will now look at the case and decide whether charges should be laid.

All B.C. police-involved incidents resulting in serious injury or death are investigated by the IIO, but it does not make recommendations on charges.