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Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals
Ontario Ontario Civilian Police Commission 20 Dundas Street West Toronto ON M5G 2C2 Fax: 416 -314-0198 Toll Free Tel: 1 888 515-5005 Toll Free Fax: 1 888 311-7555 |
Tribunaux de la sécurité, des appels en
matière de permis et des normes Ontario Commission civile de l’Ontario 20, rue Dundas ouest
5e étage, Bureau
530 Tél. : 416-314-3004 Téléc. : 416-314-0198 Sans frais Tél. : 1
888 515-5005 Sans frais Téléc : 1
888 311-7555 |
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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