The British Columbia RCMP’s top official, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to undisclosed allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018, as confirmed by an official statement. John Brewer, who previously led B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP.
The statement, credited to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, stated that no further information regarding the allegations would be disclosed at this time. Duheme reassured the public that there would be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the province.
The allegations are currently under investigation after being recently brought to the attention of the RCMP. McDonald, who previously held key positions such as the top cop at the Surrey RCMP and the RCMP’s criminal operations officer overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in British Columbia, has had his biography removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
McDonald, with nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience, had a diverse background that included roles such as leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. He was also a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP, previously served as an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed his full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.