QUESTIONING THE INDEPENDENCE OF CFNIS

   As critics question the independence of the military police’s investigative arm to conduct high-profile probes into allegations of sexual misconduct against its most senior members, its commanding officer says it’s “uniquely poised” to do that work and has complete authority to lay charges without interference.
   “We’re pretty uniquely poised as CFNIS to investigate [and] identify whether or not charges are appropriate and pursue them in either the civilian or military judicial system,” said Lt.-Col. Eric Leblanc, the commanding officer of the CFNIS. Lt.-Col. Leblanc added his unit is one of the few designated to lay charges under that “unique set of rules.”
   That’s really “stretching” the definition of independence, said Megan MacKenzie, a professor at Simon Fraser University who studies feminism and military culture.
“It defies logic to make claims that these are extremely independent bodies,” she said. Historically, she added, sexual misconduct hasn’t been investigated or prosecuted effectively within the chain of command.
   “We also know that sometimes internal investigations involve peers or friends investigating each other, and that weakens accountability. It also limits victims’ sense of confidence in raising an issue within the chain of command when they’re sort of aware of how it will be dealt with, and the potential impacts on their career,” she said, noting the bulk of sexual misconduct cases are handled through administrative actions, which is outside of the CFNIS’ purview.