File # 2010-20463
2010-07-16 15:40 PDT

The Prince George RCMP would like to acknowledge that some procedural errors occurred in obtaining information from two potential witnesses that may have sighted the vehicle related to the missing Alberta couple.

When the witnesses attended the front counter of the Prince George RCMP detachment, the information provided was not processed according to standard operating procedures and the two witnesses were allowed to leave before their names were obtained.  Once that error was identified, immediate steps were taken to ensure future compliance with proper procedures and policies. Operational guidance has been provided to the staff that were involved. 
 

As a result of assistance received by the local media in trying to identify and locate these witnesses, the two witnesses came forward and were interviewed by a Major Crimes investigator. The information received at the time revealed that a vehicle similar to the missing Alberta couple may have been seen in the Prince George area.

The couple observed the vehicle approximately five days prior to coming into the detachment in the first instance. They did not record the licence plate at the time of the sighting and were not able to provide any details of the vehicle or it's occupants, other than a general description of the vehicle which matched that of the Alberta car.

The Prince George RCMP remains committed to assisting our neighboring Alberta K Division RCMP and municipal policing agencies in this investigation. We fully comprehend the importance of recognizing and addressing these errors.

By addressing this matter in the first instance we are hopeful that the focus can be once again directed at advancing this investigation and assisting in locating Mr and Mrs McCann.


Posted For:

Supt Brenda Butterworth-Carr

OIC Prince George Detachment

Released by

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk
Senior Media Relations Officer
South East and North District
170 -395 Penno Road, Kelowna BC V1X-7W5
Office: (250) 863-7433
Cell: (250) 863-7433
Fax: (250) 491-2381
Email: dan.moskaluk@rcmp-grc.gc.ca