THUNDER BAY – Ontario's Solicitor General has requested an investigation of Thunder Bay Police Service leadership by the province's police watchdog, the Ontario Civilian Police Commision (OCPC).
A representative for Solicitor General Sylvia Jones confirmed to Dougall Media Monday that Jones had made the request.
"As allowed for under the Police Services Act, the Solicitor General has made a request to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission to investigate the Chief, Deputy Chief, as well as the administration of the Thunder Bay Police Service," said press secretary Stephen Warner in an email.
The revelation comes after sitting member of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board Georjann Morrisseau and the Thunder Bay Police Association each called for independent investigations of police leadership in recent days.
"It is important to note that the Ministry of the Solicitor General does not have legislated authority to direct change or impose sanctions on boards or police services," Warner said. "The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has certain authority in the Police Services Act available for intervention in relation to misconduct and the administration of the police service.
The Solicitor General's office did not provide reasoning behind its request in its statement, but said it would not offer further comment at this time "as there are pending complaints before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and Ontario Civilian Police Commission."
Local lawyer Chantelle Bryson is representing several current and former police officers, Morriseau, and others in numerous human rights complaints against police leadership.
This story was first reported by Netnewsledger.
