Airdrie, AB – Upon an initial review of the 2013 investigation by Airdrie Detachment into an allegation of assault against Calgary cab driver Sardar Qayum, and after meeting with him yesterday, the RCMP has now initiated a formal Public Complaint in relation to this matter.
The process involves having an independent senior non-commissioned RCMP officer, from outside Airdrie Detachment, investigate the file and provide a report on the findings to RCMP senior management. Mr. Qayum will be provided written updates on the progress of the investigation every 30 days. At the conclusion of the investigation, Mr. Qayum will also be provided with a final letter that will explain the findings. The final letter is also submitted to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC). If Mr. Qayum is not satisfied with the RCMP’s disposition of the complaint, he has the right to request a review by the CRCC within 60 days of his receipt of the final letter.
“Based on my meeting with Mr. Qayum, we have initiated the formal Public Complaint Process, which is the best way for him to get the answers he is looking for,” said Supt. Tony Hamori, Assistant Southern Alberta District Commander. “He has also been advised that the RCMP criminal investigation into the alleged assault will be sent to Crown counsel for their review to determine if criminal charges are warranted.”
Due to the ongoing statutory investigation into the allegation of assault against Mr. Qayum, as well as a Public Complaint investigation into how his initial complaint was handled by Airdrie Detachment, the RCMP cannot provide further comment at this time.