The RCMP says it failed Susan Butlin following the release of a civilian review into the handling of her sexual assault complaint before she was murdered in Colchester County in 2017.

Butlin was killed about a month after reporting a neighbour had sexually assaulted her.

A final report released Thursday by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission concluded the RCMP investigation into the complaint was inadequate and failed to take reasonable measures to ensure her safety.

In a statement, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme — the head of the national police force — acknowledged the findings and said the RCMP fell short.

“We must acknowledge where we fell short and the consequences that followed,” Duheme said.

The report found police mishandled multiple aspects of the investigation, including dismissing Butlin’s pleas for help in the days leading up to her death.

Duheme described the findings as “difficult, but necessary” and said the RCMP has since implemented changes aimed at improving sexual assault investigations and victim support.

Those changes include updated training, strengthened investigative oversight and the creation of Sexual Assault Investigation Review Committees across RCMP divisions.

Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer Dan Morrow also acknowledged Thursday that police failed Butlin and that the investigation was inadequate.

The RCMP says it remains committed to improving investigative accountability and public trust moving forward.