RCMP apologizes for not catching Pickton earlier

The RCMP has issued an apology for not catching B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton earlier.

The top Mountie in British Columbia, Assistant Commissioner Craig Callens, said the force feels deep regret that they didn't do more to catch serial killer Robert Pickton sooner.

"We could have done more," Callens said at special news conference Friday morning in Vancouver.

"On behalf of the RCMP, I would like to express to the families of the victims how very sorry we are for the loss of your loved ones, and I apologize that the RCMP did not do more.   

"We look forward to receiving meaningful recommendations that we can apply as a whole to improve our policing services to communities in B.C. and to refine and improve how we investigate and solve complex major crimes."

The apology comes as the RCMP officers involved in the investigation prepare to testify at the Missing Women Inquiry underway in Vancouver. 

Witnesses have told the inquiry they were rebuffed by police when they called to report that family members who frequented Vancouver's seedy Downtown Eastside were missing.