Navigation Links
Annual Report 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 3
CONCLUSION
Looking back, 2002 was in many ways a year of change for the Military Police Complaints Commission, and I believe we have succeeded in meeting the challenges inherent in the process of change, and experienced positive growth as a result.
We implemented a number of new procedures and protocols to enhance our administrative structure, and ensure the Commission meets the standards expected as an agency of the Government of Canada.
We suffered the great loss of our friend and colleague, Mr. Thomas G. Flanagan, S.C., had been with us since the beginning, but we welcomed three new Members to the Commission, and we enter 2003 with renewed strength and purpose.
The Commission was also an agent for change in 2002, demonstrating the benefits of civilian oversight of law enforcement. As a result recommendations flowing from investigations conducted by the Commission, Military Police Policy was changed to reflect best police practices in dealing with domestic disputes, and in surveillance operations.
Interference with Military Police investigations remains a special concern for the Commission, thus it was appropriate that the first-ever Special Report published by the Commission, this past year, dealt with this very important subject.
In 2003, I am looking forward to the five-year review of the National Defence Act. Having worked closely with Part IV of the Act for some three-and-a-half years, I have become familiar both with its strengths, and with areas in which the intent of the legislation can be made stronger still. I will be proposing several changes that I believe will enhance the provisions of the Act and also serve to strengthen the positive and professional working relationship between the Military Police Complaints Commission, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal and the Chief of the Defence Staff.
The Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence are objects of great pride for Canadians. These are the men and women who have pledged themselves to safeguard our freedom and our democracy and to defend the cause of peace wherever in the world they may be called to serve. Again in 2002, members of the Canadian Forces made the ultimate sacrifice to this noble cause.
It is with deep and abiding respect for the members of the Canadian Forces that the Military Police Complaints Commission undertakes its role in ensuring they, and all Canadians, are served by a Military Police service that meets the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and independence.