Ombudsman releases information on G20-related police complaints

TORONTO (February 23, 2011) – Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today released information on 112 complaints received by his Office about police conduct during the June 2010 G20 summit in Toronto. The information, requested by the Ontario Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) in the course of its ongoing investigations, was also tabled in the Legislature and posted on the Ombudsman’s website.

“We are pleased to have been able to assist the OIPRD’s investigation by providing the requested information,” Mr. Marin said. “As there has been continuing public interest in the G20-related investigations, we have released this information publicly in the interests of transparency.”

The Ombudsman’s response to the OIPRD’s request for information reviews the Ombudsman’s own G20-related investigation, which culminated in his report Caught in the Act, released Dec.7, 2010. It gives more detail about  complaints received about police, which are outside of the Ombudsman’s mandate and were not the focus of his investigation.

Names of complainants remain confidential, but everyone who complained to the Ombudsman about police conduct was advised to contact the OIPRD. Among the many issues raised by complainants were: Excessive force by police, wrongful detainment and arrest, conditions in the Eastern Avenue detention centre, aggressive, rude or inappropriate comments by police, and police “kettling” of demonstrators.

The response to the OIPRD can be viewed on the Ombudsman’s website: www.ombudsman.on.ca - in the “What’s New” and “Newsroom” sections.


For further information, please contact:
Linda Williamson, Director of Communications
Tel: 416-586-3426, lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca

Elena Yunusov, Communications Officer
Tel: 416-586-3521, eyunusov@ombudsman.on.ca
 
Patricia Tomasi, Communications Officer
Tel: 416-586-3402, ptomasi@ombudsman.on.ca