Part 1 describes the process for making an informal, or unofficial complaint at a local police station. This process, called “Local Resolution”, is most appropriate for minor complaints. Part 2 describes the process for making a formal, official complaint through the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD). This process is appropriate for more serious complaints, or for complaints
Continue ReadingPolice Brutality in Canada : • When Can the Police Legally Use Physical Force? • By What Authority Can the Police Legally Use Force? • What are the Limits on the Amount of Force the Police can Use? • Police Use of Force Must be Reasonable, Necessary, and Proportionate in the Circumstances a. Grounds to Arrest are not Grounds to
Continue ReadingWhat is a DNA Warrant? A DNA warrant is a document that the court signs, which permits the police to obtain a DNA sample from you. The sample may be obtained from your hair, blood, saliva, or other bodily samples. When Can the Police Take My DNA Sample? DNA Warrant vs Court Order for DNA Sample 1) DNA Warrant During
Continue ReadingPulled Over or Stopped By Cops in Ontario: While you’re driving in Ontario, Canada, the police can stop you, or pull you over, in two situations: If they are investigating a traffic law; or If they have reasons to believe you have committed a criminal offence. Traffic Laws the Police Can Stop You For: The police can stop you, or
Continue ReadingPolice Demanding Bodily Samples for Testing: A bodily sample includes any of the following: a blood sample; a urine sample; a hair sample; a saliva sample; and a swab from inside your mouth (a buccal swab). Can the Police Demand a Bodily Sample Without a Warrant? The police can take a bodily sample if: A court has ordered you to
Continue ReadingArrested or Charged with a Criminal Offence If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offence you’re probably wondering what kind of legal aid or information you need. While not a substitute for legal advice, this article can provide you with some basic answers to your questions about the law and the legal process. Your first concern is
Continue ReadingWhy Fight a Traffic Ticket? There are several reasons one might want to challenge a traffic ticket. They are: To avoid or reduce fines To avoid demerit points and license suspension To avoid imprisonment or being convicted To protect your driving record To protect against higher insurance premiums Types of Traffic Tickets in Ontario: There are two kinds of traffic
Continue ReadingRCMP Discrimination and Harassment Class Action Lawsuit: Apology and Financial Settlement In March 2020, the Federal Court of Canada approved a $100-million class action lawsuit for women who worked for the RCMP in non-policing jobs and were subjected to gender-based discrimination. In 2016, the first RCMP class-action settlement, also known as the Merlo-Davidson settlement, after plaintiffs Janet Merlo and Linda Davidson,
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