British Columbia's police oversight agency has launched an investigation after a man was seriously injured during an RCMP response in Port Alberni. The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 23, 2025, prompting the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) to deploy its team to the scene.
Details of the Port Alberni Incident
The Independent Investigations Office, which examines all police-related incidents involving death or serious harm in B.C., confirmed the event stemmed from an RCMP call for service. In a statement, the IIO noted a key detail: the injured man was "unassociated" with the original reason for the police call. This suggests the individual was not the subject of the initial complaint or the person officers were dispatched to contact.
While the IIO has not released specific details about the nature of the injuries or the exact circumstances leading to them, the classification of "serious harm" triggers a mandatory investigation under the agency's mandate. The incident took place in the Vancouver Island community of Port Alberni, located approximately halfway between Nanaimo and Tofino.
The Role of the Independent Investigations Office
The IIO is a civilian-led organization, independent of police, established to ensure transparent and accountable investigations into police actions. When an incident results in serious harm or death, the IIO assumes jurisdiction to determine whether any officer may have committed an offence. Their findings are forwarded to the B.C. Prosecution Service, which decides on any potential charges.
This process is designed to maintain public confidence in the oversight of law enforcement. The IIO's investigation will involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available video footage or police communications related to the Port Alberni call.
Next Steps and Community Impact
The investigation is now in its preliminary evidence-gathering phase. The IIO has appealed to anyone who witnessed the event or has relevant video, including dashcam or cellphone footage, to come forward. As is standard procedure, the involved RCMP officers will be interviewed by IIO investigators at a later stage.
Such incidents underscore the complex and often high-risk nature of police work, while also highlighting the critical role of independent oversight. The community of Port Alberni awaits further information as the IIO works to establish a clear timeline of events and the factors that led to the man's injuries. The watchdog's findings will be made public upon the conclusion of its investigation.
