RCMP officer, whose gun was stolen from cruiser and used in shooting, remains on duty
RCMP say a 'duty firearm is to be secured and rendered inoperable when stored'
The officer whose gun was stolen from his cruiser and used in the shooting of 16-year-old Calli Vanderaa remains on duty pending the outcome of the investigation into the case, but that could change.
"I can assure you that once we receive the investigative report, we will carry out our own internal investigation and if proper procedures were not followed, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken," said Chief Superintendent Scott Kolody, of RCMP's D Division, in a news release.
That could also include a criminal charge, if warranted.
It's not yet clear if proper procedures were followed when it comes to storage of the officer's weapon, but the RCMP say they have "strict policies in place for the safe storage of firearms."
And "...firearms are to be safely and securely stored," the release said. "The RCMP policies and training make it clear that a duty firearm is to be secured and rendered inoperable when stored."
The RCMP just provided this information, despite the shooting happening Oct. 24.
RCMP say they "have all been deeply shaken by this tragedy and we continue to hope that she makes a full recovery."
And the RCMP has spoken to the victim's father, Corey Vanderaa.
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim and her family in this senseless crime. What has happened is tragic, and I have personally conveyed those thoughts to her father," Kolody said in a release.
"I would also like to thank and acknowledge the work of the first responders who cared for the young victim and for the Winnipeg Police Service investigators for bringing those responsible to justice."
Kolody said officers have also been reminded of the safe and proper handling of firearms.
In the meantime, the Independent Investigation Unit will monitor the Winnipeg police investigation into the theft of the RCMP officer's gun.
The IIU said in a release that the investigation falls under Winnipeg police but "it will assume a formal review and monitoring role related to this investigation and may now:
• Require information and updates about the status of the WPS investigation.
• Assign a civilian monitor or member of the IIU to monitor the progress of the investigation.
• Receive the results of the WPS investigation once complete.
At any time, the IIU may assume conduct of the investigation, if the civilian director considers it in the public interest to do so, the release said..
The IIU investigates all serious incidents involving police officers in Manitoba, occurring on or off duty.