When it comes to the work of the South Simcoe Police Service, there seem to be few complaints — and fewer still deemed worthy of investigation.
The service released its semi-annual report on complaints covering July to December 2023, as part of the police services board meeting at the South Division station on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Under the Police Services Act, a member of the public can file a complaint with the Office of Independent Police Review Directorate (OIPRD) about the policies or services of a police force, or about the conduct of an officer.
The director of the OIPRD then reviews the complaint and determines whether to proceed or screen it out for being frivolous, vexatious, made in bad faith or if it is made more than six months after the incident occurred.
“It’s interesting to note that in 2023 we had just shy of 30,000 calls for service for the entire year and there was a total of 14 complaints made to the OIPRD, so a very, very low number,” Chief John Van Dyke said.
The second half of 2023 saw seven conduct complaints filed, the same as in the first half, while the number of complaints screened out increased slightly to six from five.
The remaining complaint was referred to the South Simcoe police for investigation and resolved informally.
Considering the department answered 13,940 calls for service in the second half of 2023, that number of complaints “reflects on the service in a positive way,” according to the chief.
“I would say we have good staff here, good people. We are caring and compassionate, but firm,” he said. “Even the complaints we do get ... most of the time they’re screened out, because they are so minor they don’t even warrant investigation. That’s a good thing.”
The chief noted body-worn cameras also ensure everything is recorded, adding transparency.
There were no policy/service complaints and only one internal complaint which is still under investigation.
There was one Special Investigations Unit (SIU) probe listed, the same amount as in the first half of 2023.
While the SIU cleared South Simcoe police of any criminal offence in the previous incident, the current investigation is ongoing and in relation to a sexual-assault allegation.
South Simcoe police cannot comment on an SIU matter, and while the SIU declined to release details of the case, spokesperson Kristy Denette confirmed it is currently under the director’s review, suggesting it is in the final stages before completion.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers and some other officials that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
