The B.C. RCMP’s top officer, Dwayne McDonald, has been removed from his position due to unspecified allegations spanning from 2016 to 2018, as announced by the police force. John Brewer, who previously led B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the new deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP.
In a statement attributed to RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, details regarding the allegations have not been disclosed at this time, with the assurance that there will be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the province. The statement confirms that the allegations are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP.
McDonald, who previously served as the head of the Surrey RCMP and oversaw federal and organized crime investigations for B.C., has had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page. With almost thirty years of law enforcement experience, he has held various key positions, including leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
John Brewer, now appointed as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was formerly an assistant commissioner with the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a valued member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.
McDonald’s replacement by Brewer comes amidst ongoing investigations into the allegations, signaling a significant shift in leadership within the B.C. RCMP’s top ranks.