The top RCMP official in British Columbia, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to unspecified allegations that reportedly occurred between 2016 and 2018. John Brewer, the former head of British Columbia’s extortion task force, has been appointed as the new deputy commissioner and commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP.
According to a statement from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, details regarding the allegations have not been disclosed at this time. However, Duheme assured that the change in leadership will not impact RCMP operations or policing services in the province.
The statement indicated that the allegations are currently under investigation and were recently reported to the RCMP. McDonald, who previously served as the top officer at the Surrey RCMP and oversaw federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee webpage.
With nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience, McDonald held various key roles within the RCMP, including leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. He was also a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015.
John Brewer, the newly appointed interim commanding officer for B.C. RCMP, was praised by Duheme in the statement for his capabilities and standing within the senior leadership team of the RCMP. Brewer, who previously served as an assistant commissioner, now leads the largest division of the RCMP, E Division, in British Columbia.