Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019, effective December 2020, the SIU now investigates all instances where an official discharged a firearm at a person, whether or not the person died or was seriously injured. The SIU cannot investigate conduct, services and policies that do not meet these criteria.
What is the role of the SIU?
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency, independent of the police, that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.
What is the mandate of the Special Investigating Unit?
The unit's principal mandate is to investigate 'serious malpractices or maladministration in connection with the administration of state institutions, state assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interests of the public'.
What is a special investigation?
Special investigations are either criminal or civil in nature and require special skills, knowledge, or techniques to successfully complete. The Special Investigations Bureau is responsible for establishing and maintaining expertise for the conducting of special investigations.
Who investigates the police in Ontario?
All police services in Ontario are accountable to the public through the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD). The OIPRD is an independent agency that oversees complaints and investigates the conducts, services and policies of police chiefs and officers.
