The President of the Windsor Police Association is encouraged over proposed changes to the Police Act.
Ontario is narrowing the scope of mandatory Special Investigations Unit probes into police conduct.
Currently, the SIU investigates circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death or allegations of sexual assault.
Under the new legislation announced Tuesday, the SIU would investigate when police use of force results in serious injury or death, as well as when an officer has shot at a person or if there is a reported sexual assault, and would have to wrap up investigations within 120 days.
Windsor Police Association President Jason DeJong (courtesy WPA Facebook page)
While he has yet to see the full document, association president Jason DeJong likes what he's learned so far. He believes the mandate to conclude SIU investigations within four months or less will be a big relief to the membership.
"Is a big positive for associations. Often times SIU investigations are drawn out and that is of no benefit to those who are affected in the public by these investigations or to the members," says DeJong.
Attorney General Caroline Mulroney says the changes will focus the SIU's mandate to investigating suspected criminal activity, instead of treating an officer like a suspect if they unsuccessfully try to stop a suicide attempt.
DeJong says a lot of the SIU investigations involve situations where the officer was trying to be helpful.
"In most cases, the SIU investigates incidents where members are acting in good faith, that's the majority of incidents where they are executing their duty and ultimately someone becomes injured, but the officers are acting lawfully and the SIU has to investigate," he says.
After the Ford government was elected last year it paused implementation of a law from the previous Liberal government that enhanced the mandates of Ontario's three police oversight agencies --- the SIU, the Office of the Independent Police Review Director and the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.
The bill also eliminates the OCPC in order to create a single body to handle public complaints about police. The OIPRD would become the new Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.
DeJong says the association welcomes civilian oversight.
"We understand that is necessary for public confidence," he says. "The proposed legislation, to my understanding, does not take away the ability for the SIU to investigate incidents that meet their mandate. And it shouldn't cause any concern to the public."