News Release
SIU Terminates Investigation in New Liskeard
Case Number: 05-PCI-064
Three SIU investigators were assigned to probe the circumstances surrounding Mr. Widdifield's injury. The SIU determined Mr. Widdifield was arrested by OPP officers on May 3, 2005 and lodged in a cell at the detachment. At about 10:30 p.m., Mr. Widdifield fell and struck his head on the floor. He was taken to hospital for treatment. Medical tests determined Mr. Widdifield had a small laceration to the back of his head.
Based upon the information gathered to date, the Director of the SIU, James L. Cornish, has decided to terminate the investigation because of the absence of serious injury.
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