REPORT RAPPORT

DATE:	20 September 2011
TO/DEST:	Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board
FROM/EXP:	Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service
SUBJECT/OBJET:	REPORT ON S.I.U. INVESTIGATION – INJURY DURING ARREST – 14 MAY 2011

RECOMMENDATION

That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.

BACKGROUND

In May 2011, an Ottawa Police officer responded to a fight “in progress” call for service.  Upon arriving the officer could only locate one of the individuals involved. The individual was subsequently arrested for an unrelated matter.  While in cell block the individual’s face became swollen and the individual was subsequently transported to the hospital where they were diagnosed with a fractured cheek bone.

The Special Investigations Unit was contacted and invoked their mandate.

INVESTIGATION

Special Investigations Unit Investigation

On July 8, 2011, the Director of the Special Investigations Unit advised Chief White that their investigation was now complete and that no further action would be taken. S.I.U. Director Ian Scott stated in his correspondence:

“The investigation by this Unit has been completed, the file has been closed and no further action is contemplated.  In my view, there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the named subject officers committed a criminal offence in relation to the injury sustained by the complainant proximate in time to his arrest on May 14, 2011.

There is no suggestion that he received this injury in police custody, and it is more likely than not that he received this facial injury before he was arrested.”

Professional Standards Section Investigation

Pursuant to section 11 of Regulation 673/98 of the Police Services Act, an investigation was conducted by the Professional Standards Section to determine if the policies of, or services provided by, the Ottawa Police Service were adhered to at the time of this incident, and to determine if the conduct of the police officers was appropriate.

The results are as follows:

Conduct:  No misconduct was identified.

Policies:  All policies were adhered to.

Service:  No service issues were identified.

CONCLUSION

No further action to be taken on this matter.

(Original signed by)

Vern White

Chief of Police