News Release
SIU Director Responds to Release of Report by Independent Police Oversight Review
Case Number: N/A
Director Tony Loparco released this statement today following the release of a report by the Independent Police Oversight Review, headed by the Honourable Michael H. Tulloch:
Director Loparco said, “The Special Investigations Unit welcomes today’s report for its contribution to the process of strengthening Ontario’s system of civilian oversight. I thank Mr. Justice Tulloch and his staff for the important work they have assumed on behalf of Ontario citizens. I would also like to thank the members of the public who took part in the consultations.
“The SIU only saw the report today at 11:30 a.m. As such, the SIU will need some time to fully and carefully consider the contents of the report before making any further comment. That being said, I am committing the SIU to take the steps required to implement the recommendations that may be legislated, with the increased resources Mr. Justice Tulloch has deemed necessary to conduct civilian oversight properly.”
If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php
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