The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into allegations that officers from the Brandon Police Service (BPS) fabricated evidence following an arrest in February 2021.
The investigation was initiated after BPS notified the IIU on December 1, 2023, of a complaint received on October 14, 2023. The complaint was made by the affected person (AP), who had been charged with the February 2021 robbery of a 7-Eleven store in Brandon. The AP alleged that BPS officers had falsely charged him and fabricated evidence. He claimed he was not living in Brandon at the time of the offence, that witness statements inaccurately referenced a “kitchen area” in the 7-Eleven store, and that there was a conspiracy involving the police report case number and an officer’s badge number.
Given the nature of the allegations, which involve fabricating evidence—a prescribed offence under IIU regulations—the IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation in accordance with Section 66(4) of the Police Services Act. Investigators obtained a statement from the AP and reviewed evidence from the February 2021 robbery, including video footage, investigator and incident reports, and witness statements. No subject officers or witness officers were designated during the investigation.
After a thorough review of the evidence, the civilian director of the IIU concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that any police officers fabricated evidence against the AP. As a result, the IIU has completed its investigation, and the matter is now closed.
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