How To Complain About Police

Complaints Against the Cops

What to Complain About:

1. The policies of or services provided by the Police; or
2. the conduct of a police officer

This means any mistreatment you feel you have received as a result of either inappropriate policies or improper behaviour by a cop. If the police are unfairly targeting cyclists then this is a policy problem. If a particular cop treats you unfairly, violently or disrespectfully you have a complaint against the cop. Needless to say, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination are illegal and should also be the subject of a Human Rights complaint (call the Ontario Human Rights Commission: 314-4500).

Making a Complaint:

Only the person directly affected can make the complaint. Use the form, sign it and mail, fax or deliver it to any police station within 6 months of the incident.

You should also make a copy for ARC! This is very important because the police complaints process is practically useless in individual cases. The complaint is dealt with by the cops at the same station where the subject of the complaint works. This means they almost never do anything about it. By forwarding a copy to ARC you help us to track information about bad cops and bad policies in order to bring political pressure to resolve the problems all cyclists face at the hands of Toronto police.

What Happens Next?

An investigative report will be completed and the police will either:

1. Settle the matter through "informal resolution" if they feel it is not a serious problem. This may involve discussions with you and the cop.
2. Find the complaint unsubstantiated and dispose of it.
3. Find misconduct and impose a penalty with or without a formal hearing.

What if you don't like the result?

You can appeal to the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services within 30 days of the decision. Their phone number is 326-1189 and they are located at:

    Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services
    25 Grosvenor Street, 1st Floor
    Toronto
    M7A 1Y6

An Important Caveat:

Remember that the complaints process has been disemboweled by the Harris government and your individual complaint is not likely to have much impact. What is important is that you send a copy to ARC. We know that there are problems with the cops but we need your help to push for change.

Contact:

 Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists
 761 Queen St. West, Suite 101
 Toronto
 M6J 1G1
 phone: 416 604-5171
 email: arc@respect.to