Head of BC's police watchdog announces retirement

The head of BC’s police watchdog service has retired from his role after more than a half dozen years in the position.

Earlier this week, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC announced that chief civilian director, Ronald J. MacDonald, will be officially retired on May 8.

MacDonald started working for the IIO of BC in October 2017 after serving in a similar role in Nova Scotia where he served as the first director of that province’s Serious Incident Response Team.

“Working with such an amazing team of dedicated professionals has been a privilege and is an outstanding way to conclude my 39-year career in the justice sector,” MacDonald said in a statement.

According to the IIO of BC, MacDonald has practiced law since 1985 and was a defence counsel for six years and then worked for 17 years as a Crown Attorney.

He also spent three years as the criminal law policy advisor for Nova Scotia’s Department of Justice.

With the announcement of Macdonald’s retirement, the IIO of BC has appointed Sandra Hentzen, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO), as the interim chief civilian director.

“I leave the IIO in Sandra’s capable hands,” MacDonald said in the statement.

“Having had the pleasure of working with Sandra since my arrival at the IIO in 2017, I have found her to be an exceptionally strong people leader and mentor, and she has demonstrated qualities essential for the CCD, including courage and collaboration, which make her well-suited to maintaining the public’s trust.”

Hentzen began her career with the IIO as a consultant in 2016/17 before transitioning to COO in August 2018.

The IIO of BC says she spent the last 15 years in executive leadership and human resources roles.

“I want to thank Ron for his years of service with the IIO and for British Columbians. I wish him all the best in his retirement starting next week,” said Hentzen.

“It is my pleasure to act as interim CCD until the Province appoints a new permanent CCD in the coming months.”

The IIO of BC provides civilian oversight of the police in BC and investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death.