Investigative Process
- Examining and securing all physical evidence
- Seeking and interviewing witnesses
- Monitoring the medical condition of persons that have been injured
- Securing police equipment for forensic testing
- Consulting with the coroner if there has been a death
- Notifying next of kin in death cases
- Ensuring complainants (that is, those who have been seriously injured or are alleging sexual assault, and the families of deceased persons) are kept up to date
- Reviewing the results of analyses from outside agencies (ie.g. post-mortem reports, Centre of Forensic Sciences tests, etc.)
Investigator's Creed
I believe that in all investigations, I must keep an open mind, pursue all leads and be determined in the pursuit of the truth.
I believe that I must maintain the integrity of all investigations, ensure they are thorough, comprehensive, conducted sensitively and in a timely fashion.
I believe that all investigations must be independent and guided by established rules and policies, both internal and external.
I believe that I must set aside my personal biases during any investigation.
I believe that affected persons, their family members and involved officials must be treated with fairness, respect and sensitivity because they have been through a very trying experience.
I believe that whenever it is possible, I should keep the involved law enforcement agency, the involved officials and all others affected by my investigations informed about what I am doing and why, as long as it does not affect the integrity of my investigations or my oath as a peace officer and public servant.
I believe that it is part of my duty to do everything I can to improve the working relationship between the SIU, the law enforcement agencies of Ontario and the people of Ontario.
I believe that it is important for me to continue to develop my skill and expertise as a professional investigator and to strive to exceed the community standard of morals and ethics.
I believe that I am accountable to my colleagues, my leaders and to the diversified community of the Province of Ontario.
I believe that I should respect the ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs of all those affected by my investigations and honour those ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs to the extent that they do not adversely affect the integrity of my investigation.
I believe that it is important for me to advise the Director of law enforcement agencies and officials that are not cooperating with investigations and to provide the particulars of that to the Director. Similarly, I believe that it is important for me to advise the Director of law enforcement agencies and officials who are cooperating fully with my investigations.
I believe that it is my duty to do what is right, even when there is no law or rule saying that I should do the right thing.