Safety, Licensing Appeals and

Standards Tribunals Ontario

Ontario Civilian Police Commission

 

 

20 Dundas Street West
5th Floor, Suite 530

Toronto ON  M5G 2C2
Tel.: 416-314-3004

Fax: 416 -314-0198

Toll Free Tel: 1 888 515-5005

Toll Free Fax: 1 888 311-7555
Website: www.slasto.gov.on.ca 

 

Tribunaux de la sécurité, des appels en matière de permis et des normes Ontario

Commission civile de l’Ontario
sur la police

 

20, rue Dundas ouest

5e étage, Bureau 530
Toronto ON  M5G 2C2

Tél. :    416-314-3004

Téléc. :   416-314-0198

Sans frais Tél. : 1 888 515-5005

Sans frais Téléc : 1 888 311-7555
Site web:
www.slasto.gov.on.ca

 

 

Disponible en français


Press Release



Ontario Civilian Police Commission’s Investigation into Thunder Bay Police Services Board: Interim Report

 

November 1, 2017

 

Investigation into Thunder Bay Police Services Board


The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) has serious concerns about the state of civilian police oversight and public confidence in the delivery of police services in Thunder Bay. On July 24, 2017, the OCPC announced that it launched an investigation and appointed retired Judge and current Senator, the Honourable Murray Sinclair as the independent investigator in this matter.

 

The ongoing investigation considers the following:

§  The Thunder Bay Police Services Board’s (the “Board”) ability to address matters raised by Indigenous leaders relating to a recent series of deaths of Indigenous youth and the quality of the investigations into these deaths conducted by the Thunder Bay Police Service (the “Service”);

 

§  Board representatives stating that the public’s concerns about systemic racism existing within the Service and the quality of the Service’s investigations are without basis; and

 

§  The recent criminal charges that were laid against the Service’s Chief of Police, who was charged with breach of trust and obstruction of justice.

 

 

Interim Report

 

In accordance with s. 25(3) of the Police Services Act (PSA), the OCPC committed to preparing an interim report and a final report. The interim report is complete and can be accessed here by November 3rd. The interim report has also been provided to the Board, Indigenous communities, the Service, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and the public.

 


Final Report


As the investigation continues, the OCPC will ensure that its work neither interferes with nor duplicates the systemic review underway by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) and any ongoing Coroner’s and police investigations. The OCPC continues to work cooperatively with other organizations carrying out related investigations where practicable.

 

A final report will be completed by March 31, 2018.

 


Quick Facts

§  The OCPC investigation is not punitive and not directed to any specific conduct issues. Ultimately, there is a public interest in ensuring that the Board is meeting its obligations.

 

Background Information

§  The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency. It is one of five tribunals in the Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario cluster.

 

§  The OCPC has a broad mandate, including ensuring that police service boards are providing sufficient oversight of police services in a manner that ensures adequate and effective police services in the community and that maintains public confidence in the delivery of policing.

 

§  The Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) is an independent, arms-length agency that works to identify and offer solutions to systemic or ongoing issues within police services and is responsible for performing audits to ensure the complaints system is being administered effectively. It is also responsible for administering public complaints about police in Ontario.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

§  Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario

 

§  Office of the Independent Police Review Director  

§  Press Release: OCPC Appoints Investigator (July 24, 2017)

 

 

 

Media Contact

 

Silvia Cheng
SLASTOinfo@ontario.ca

416-212-5768