The head of the RCMP in British Columbia, Dwayne McDonald, has been relieved of his duties due to unspecified allegations dating from 2016 to 2018, as confirmed by an official statement from the RCMP. John Brewer, formerly in charge of B.C.’s extortion task force, has taken over as the new deputy commissioner and commanding officer for the B.C. RCMP.
The statement, issued by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, did not disclose further details on the allegations but assured that there will be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the province. The allegations are currently under investigation and were recently brought to the attention of the RCMP.
McDonald, who previously served as the top cop at the Surrey RCMP and as the RCMP’s criminal operations officer overseeing federal and organized crime investigations in British Columbia, had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page. With nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience, McDonald held various significant roles, including leading the Lower Mainland’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
In 2015, McDonald was honored with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The B.C. RCMP, also 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 within the RCMP.
Commissioner Duheme expressed full confidence in Brewer, describing him as a respected member of the RCMP’s senior leadership team. Further details on the situation have not been disclosed at this time.
