SIU To Be Probed By Ont. Ombudsman Following “Troubling Increase” In Complaints
Posted June 7, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
They’re called in to investigate whenever police actions result in the serious injury or death of a civilian, but some are questioning whether the Special Investigations Unit has been doing its job properly. The provincial ombudsman is currently reviewing the civilian body, which reports to the Ontario Attorney General, after a “troubling increase” in the number of complaints. Andre Marin, who headed up the SIU himself between 1996 and 1998, announced a probe into the unit’s actions Thursday, saying eight GTA cases dating back to 2003 will be “put under the microscope” in the upcoming months.
“We count on the civilian agency to investigate the police. It’s where the buck stops and police accountability when there is death or serious injury,” Marin said. “And given the nature of the quality of these complaints, I believe that it warrants further investigation by the special ombudsman response team.”
Among the accusations being put forth by the public: that the SIU is slow to investigate cases, that it’s biased, and that it’s “less than thorough” in its probes.Lawyer Julian Falconer raised the case of his client, Hafeez Mohammed, during a press conference on the inquiry Thursday. Falconer alleges Mohammed was beaten by members of Durham Police while being arrested for driving drunk in 2006. No charges were laid, but photos of Mohammed showed the extent of his facial injuries. “This man spent 42 days in the intensive care unit and SIU doesn’t investigate until the family’s lawyer calls him in. There’s something extremely wrong,” Falconer said while holding up a picture of his client’s disfigured features (pictured).
Robyn Reodica’s brother Jeffrey was shot in the back three times by a police officer in 2004. He died as a result of his injuries at just 17. His family has long disputed SIU findings that the shooting was justified. “People should be held accountable for their actions, no matter who they are,” Robyn said. “We just want the truth to come out…”
SIU spokesperson Rose Bliss said the organization would aid in the investigation. “We intend to cooperate with the ombudsman, we are approaching this positively.” Unit director James Cornish said in a statement that he was confident in his department’s actions and would help with the investigation. “As a world leader in civilian oversight of police, the SIU is committed to carrying out thorough and unbiased investigations to ensure police accountability, thus safeguarding public confidence in our police,” he said. “I have confidence in the professionalism of the men and women of this Unit and that the Ombudsman will conduct an impartial and professional investigation. We intend to cooperate and look forward to receiving his report.”
Marin said he anticipated the inquiry would be completed by October, with a report to follow in November.
