The top RCMP officer in British Columbia has been removed from his position due to unspecified allegations dating back to 2016-2018, as per an announcement by the RCMP. Dwayne McDonald has been replaced by John Brewer, who previously led B.C.’s extortion task force.
According to a statement by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, details regarding the allegations have not been disclosed at this time. However, Duheme assured that there would be no disruption to RCMP operations or policing services in the province.
The statement indicated 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 as the RCMP’s criminal operations officer for federal and organized crime investigations in B.C., had his bio removed from the RCMP’s senior executive committee page.
John Brewer, now serving as the interim commanding officer of E Division and deputy commissioner, was praised by Duheme in the RCMP statement for his leadership qualities and experience within the RCMP’s senior leadership team. Brewer had previously held the position of assistant commissioner within the RCMP.
McDonald, a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2015, had a long career in law enforcement, including roles such as leading the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. Brewer, who took over as the top RCMP officer for B.C. on an interim basis, had previously overseen the extortion task force in the province.
