News Release

SIU Closes Investigation into Kenora Firearm Injury

Case Number: 10-PFI-097   

Mississauga (28 July, 2010) --- On July 28, 2010, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) issued a news release regarding the June 2010 firearm injury to 39-year-old Helen Proulx of Kenora. Ian Scott, the Director of the SIU, concluded there were no reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer committed a criminal offence in this case.

In that same news release, the SIU noted there was a two hour delay by the OPP in reporting this incident to the Unit. In fact, there was a 51 minute delay. Director Scott said, "While we apologize for the error, we would have appreciated being notified of the incident immediately, as is required under the Police Services Act."

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