File a Police Complaint About an Arrest in Burnaby

Public Safety British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

If you believe an arrest in Burnaby, British Columbia was improper, this guide explains where to file a complaint, which agencies can investigate, and the steps to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. Complaints about local policing conduct usually begin with the Burnaby RCMP detachment or are directed to civilian oversight bodies depending on the nature and severity of the incident.

Start with a clear written record while details are current.

Penalties & Enforcement

Filing a complaint about an arrest is a civil oversight and administrative process rather than a bylaw infraction that carries a standard fine; specific monetary penalties for complainants are not applicable. The investigatory and enforcement outcomes depend on the body that handles the complaint:

  • Burnaby RCMP detachment - can record complaints, undertake internal reviews, and refer matters to federal or provincial oversight. See the detachment contact page for submission methods and local procedures.Burnaby RCMP contact[1]
  • Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) - reviews complaints about RCMP member conduct and may recommend corrective measures; processes and remedies are set out on the CRCC site.CRCC complaint process[2]
  • Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia - investigates incidents involving serious harm or death allegedly caused by police actions; file or report as instructed on the IIO site.IIO reporting[3]
Serious-injury or death incidents are usually investigated by the provincial IIO.

Escalation, sanctions and appeals

The official pages cited do not list fixed fines for complainants; outcomes may include administrative recommendations, disciplinary action against officers, referrals to prosecution, or public reports. If you seek monetary compensation you may need to pursue civil court remedies; specific fee schedules or fine amounts are not specified on the cited oversight pages.

Appeal and review routes vary by body: the CRCC and IIO publish their review and disclosure procedures; timelines for internal reviews or for filing complaints are set by each office and for some processes are "not specified on the cited page" and should be confirmed with the office handling the complaint.

Applications & Forms

How to submit: many oversight bodies accept online intake forms or written complaints; some require signed statements. Specific form numbers or mandatory forms are not universally published on the cited pages, so check the agency links above for the current submission forms and any attachments required.

How to

Practical action steps to file and support a complaint about an arrest in Burnaby.

  1. Document the incident: date, time, location, officer names or badge numbers, witness names and contact details.
  2. Contact the Burnaby RCMP detachment to report the complaint and ask about local intake procedures and timelines.[1]
  3. If the matter involves serious injury or death, notify the IIO and follow its guidance for evidence preservation and interviews.[3]
  4. For complaints about RCMP member conduct, consider filing with the CRCC and attach your written statement, photos, and witness contacts.[2]
  5. If you want compensation or civil remedies, consult a lawyer about civil claims and deadlines.

FAQ

Can I file a complaint directly with the Burnaby RCMP?
Yes. You can file a complaint with the detachment; they record complaints and will advise next steps, including referral to oversight bodies if appropriate.
When should I contact the IIO?
Contact the IIO when the arrest resulted in serious bodily harm or death, or where the incident meets the IIO mandate; the IIO will investigate independently.
How long do I have to file a complaint?
Time limits vary by oversight body; specific filing deadlines are not specified on the cited pages and should be checked with the receiving agency promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Start documenting facts and witnesses immediately after the arrest.
  • Contact Burnaby RCMP first for local intake and the IIO for serious incidents.
  • For RCMP member conduct complaints, the CRCC provides civilian review.

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