Victoria – The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) announced today that a charge of assault has been approved against Kelowna RCMP Cst. Lacy Browning in connection with their involvement in a wellness check on January 20, 2020.
An information charging Cst. Browning with one count of assault contrary to section 266 of the Criminal Code was sworn on August 23, 2021 under Kelowna Provincial Court file number 96188. The first appearance on this matter is scheduled for September 14, 2021 in Kelowna Provincial Court.
The charge was approved by a Crown Counsel with no prior or current connection with the officer. The charge assessment guidelines applied by the BC Prosecution Service in reviewing all Reports to Crown Counsel are established in the BC Prosecution Service Crown Counsel Policy Manual and are available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/charge-assessment-guidelines.
Specific guidelines for Crown Counsel dealing with allegations against peace officers are also established in the BCPS Crown Counsel Policy manual and are available at: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/prosecution-service/crowncounsel-policy-manual/pol-1.pdf