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 per an announcement from the police force. John Brewer, who previously led B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the RCMP in B.C.
The statement issued by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme on Thursday stated that further details regarding the allegations would not be disclosed at this time. Duheme assured the public that there would be no disruption to RCMP operations or law enforcement services in the province.
The allegations are currently being investigated and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP, according to the statement. McDonald, who formerly headed the Surrey RCMP and served as the RCMP’s criminal operations officer overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., has had his biography removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee webpage.
McDonald, with almost three decades of law enforcement experience, had previously worked at the Canada Border Services Agency. He held various leadership positions, including leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and frequently appeared at press briefings.
In 2015, McDonald was honored with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The B.C. RCMP, known as E Division, is the largest division within the RCMP’s structure.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was previously an assistant commissioner in the RCMP. Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team.