Ontario To Strengthen, Improve Police Review System

21 April 2006

The McGuinty government has introduced legislation that, if passed, would create an independent civilian body to administer the police review system in Ontario, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

The bill, if passed, would implement recommendations in the LeSage Report, including a new independent civilian body to administer the police review system in Ontario.

"This bill seeks to establish a police review system that has the confidence and respect of the public and the police," said Bryant. "If passed, this would provide the public with a significant new option for bringing forward their concerns, while ensuring that there is no interference with the good work done by Ontario's police services in keeping our communities safe."

The proposed independent civilian body, led by an Independent Police Review Director, would be responsible for receiving complaints and then determining, on a case-by-case basis, who would investigate the complaint: the independent civilian body itself, the police service affected or another police service. Under the proposed Independent Police Review Act, 2006, members of the public would still be able to deal directly with their local police service, if they prefer.

In June 2004, the government appointed the former chief justice of Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, Patrick J. LeSage, to conduct a review of Ontario's police complaints system. After months of extensive review and consultations, LeSage submitted 27 recommendations to the attorney general, including the recommendation that a new independent civilian oversight body be created.

"I am pleased to see the government is moving forward with a proposal which would create a new independent police review body," said LeSage. "I believe this would be a very positive step forward for the police review system in Ontario."

"The new system we are proposing is based on Mr. LeSage's thorough and well thought-out recommendations," said Bryant. "If passed, this legislation would entrench a police review system that is both equitable and effective for all."

Disponible en français

www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca

Backgrounder

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NEW POLICE REVIEW SYSTEM PROPOSED FOR ONTARIO

TORONTO - The McGuinty government has introduced legislation that would, if passed, establish a police review system that has the confidence and respect of the public and the police and create an independent civilian body to administer a new police complaints system. The proposed new system is based on recommendations made by the Honourable Patrick J. LeSage following his extensive review of the province's existing police complaints system.

Recent History of Police Review In Ontario:

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In 1981, an independent civilian Public Complaints Commissioner (PCC) was set up in Toronto on a trial basis.

In 1990, the Public Complaints Commissioner was renamed the Police Complaints Commissioner and expanded to the entire province.

In 1997, the Police Complaints Commissioner was dismantled and the current public complaints system was introduced. Under the current system, police services are responsible for the intake, investigation and adjudication of complaints. The Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS), an independent body, plays a role in reviewing police handling of complaints and hears appeals from police disciplinary hearings.

The LeSage Review:

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In June 2004, the McGuinty government appointed the former chief justice of Ontario's Superior Court of Justice, the Honourable Patrick J. LeSage, to conduct a review of the police complaints system in Ontario. In addition to reviewing written submissions from the public and holding three public meetings, LeSage traveled extensively across the province to meet personally with over 100 groups and individuals to discuss the system.

The LeSage Report:

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In April 2005, LeSage presented his report to the Attorney General. The report contained 27 recommendations, including the recommendation that a new independent civilian body be created to administer the police review system in Ontario. The rest of the recommendations touched upon all areas of the system including: access, informal resolution, the investigation, hearings and appeal process, audits, and appropriately funding the system.

The full report can be found at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

Independent Police Review Act, 2006:

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The Independent Police Review Act, 2006, if passed, would entrench an independent and transparent police complaints system, centred around a new civilian organization, led by an Independent Police Review Director (IPRD). The IPRD would be responsible for the intake and initial screening of public complaints about the police and would determine whether the complaint would be investigated by the IPRD, the police service affected or referred to another police service. Members of the public who prefer to do so would still be able to make complaints to local police services.

Disponible en français

www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca

For further information: Greg Crone, Minister's Office, (416) 326-1785; Brendan Crawley, Communications Branch, (416) 326-2210

Source: newswire

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