Ontario’s independent police watchdog is reviewing police action during the G20 summit in Toronto.
The Office of the Independent Police Review Director, created last fall to investigate complaints surrounding police conduct, announced Thursday afternoon it is conducting a review “of a systemic nature” into numerous allegations of police misconduct. The number of complaints registered with the arm’s-length body of the Ontario government doubled in the week following the summit.
“The review will investigate common issues arising from complaints against police during the G20 summit,” director Gerry McNeilly said in a statement. “I can ensure that these issues are investigated thoroughly and in a way that is accountable, transparent, efficient and fair to both the public and the police”.
The “systemic issues” under investigation include allegations of unlawful searches, unlawful arrests, improper detention and issues related to the Eastern Avenue film studio used as a detention centre during the G20 weekend. More than 1,000 people were arrested over the course of several days. Of those, more than 700 were charged with breach of peace and released, and about 100 were never charged with anything.
A release from the OIPRD said the review “will provide recommendations to address issues of a systemic nature for the overall improvement of police practices,” producing a final report that will be made public.
The announcement marks the latest review into police conduct and security protocol leading up to and during the G20: Toronto’s Police Services Board spent Thursday afternoon listening to public submissions relating to the independent review the board is pursuing to investigate governance and oversight issues relating to the G20.
The Globe and Mail
