News Release

Reporting on Status of SIU Investigations

Case Number: N/A   

Mississauga, ON (16 July, 2018) ---
The Unit is mandated with investigating incidents involving police that have resulted in serious injury, death, or an allegation of sexual assault. Due to complexity or circumstances, these investigations can require a significant amount of time to complete. The length of time might be impacted by factors such as how long it took to conduct interviews and/or gather and analyze evidence. In many instances, the Unit must also await receipt of reports from outside organizations such as the Centre of Forensic Sciences or the Coroner’s Office. While the SIU recognises it is important to resolve cases in a timely manner, the thoroughness of the investigation must take precedence over the length of time it takes to finish an investigation. 

In an effort to keep the public up-to-date on the progress of SIU investigations, the SIU has begun to proactively provide updates on each investigation via the Unit’s website at https://www.siu.on.ca/en/case_status.php.

This practice began July 1, 2018. Both open and closed cases from this year and last year are listed, and include the case number, case type, involved police service, when the SIU was notified and the status of the case. The ability to filter the information in several different ways is also available. 

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

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