News Release

SIU Investigates Historical Custody Injury

Case Number: 06-OCI-048   

Other News Releases Related to Case 06-OCI-048

SIU Terminates Investigation into Historical Custody Injury

TORONTO (31 March, 2006) --- On March 31, 2006, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), was notified by Orlando Bowen's lawyer of a custody injury that allegedly occurred during the course of an arrest by Peel Regional Police Service (PRPS) officers.

The SIU was notified that on March 26, 2004, at about 10:15 p.m., Mr. Bowen was arrested by two PRPS officers in the parking lot behind the Locomotion nightclub in Mississauga. He was lodged in a cell at 12 Division. On March 27th, he was released from police custody and went to William Osler Hospital for treatment of his injuries sustained during the course of his arrest.

Based on the nature of the injuries reported to the SIU, two investigators have been assigned to initiate an investigation into the circumstances of the arrest.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES