The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of British Columbia has launched an investigation into the Merritt RCMP following the death of Pamela Jarvis, a 45-year-old mother of six. The watchdog is examining whether police failures in the days leading up to her death played a role in the tragedy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Timeline of Events
- December 10: RCMP responded to a disturbance at the Jarvis residence. The suspect allegedly caused significant property damage (breaking down doors). He was arrested but reportedly released and returned home shortly after.
- December 16: Police were called back to the home. Pamela Jarvis was found with critical injuries and subsequently died.
- December 17: The victim’s husband, Christopher Bernard Jarvis, 49, was charged with second-degree murder.
Central Allegations: A Failure of Protection
The investigation was triggered after Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) challenged the initial police narrative. Advocates argue that the system failed Pamela in several ways:
- Inadequate Risk Assessment: Despite a history of escalating behavior, the suspect was not detained or kept away from the victim following the December 10 incident.
- Safety Planning: Advocates claim Pamela was left to navigate a high-risk situation without sufficient police intervention or protection after her initial call for help.
- Systemic Gaps: The case has become a focal point for critics who argue that B.C. policing protocols for intimate partner violence (IPV) are insufficient to prevent predictable homicides.
Current Status
While the murder charge proceeds through the court system, the IIO’s role is specifically to determine if there is evidence of officer misconduct or criminal negligence regarding their “action or inaction” in the week preceding the killing.
The Merritt community has rallied around Pamela’s six children, with a GoFundMe campaign surpassing $76,000 to assist with their immediate needs.
