OPP Association Responds to Report from the Independent Street Check Review
BARRIE, ON, Jan. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - OPP Association President Rob Jamieson joined stakeholders from policing and community groups this morning in Toronto as Mr. Justice Michael Tulloch publicly released his report from the Independent Street Checks Review.
Mr. Justice Tulloch's comprehensive review provides meaningful insights into the social cost of street checks, outlines the circumstances when police have lawful grounds to stop people to request identifying information and acknowledges that there is value to police services in conducting lawful street checks.
In response, OPPA President Jamieson was clear that while racism and arbitrary street checks have no place in policing, he and his members fully believe that lawful, properly conducted street checks are vitally important to the safety of officers and the communities they police, while further supporting victims of crime.
"The OPP Association recognizes and acknowledges that police services are to be provided throughout Ontario in a manner that not only ensures the safety and security of all persons and property but that also safeguards the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Human Rights Code," said Jamieson. "The OPP Association echoes the previous comments of Minster of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Sylvia Jones, that "racism and discrimination have no place in policing."
"Our uniformed members are mindful that in order for us to accomplish the goal of safer communities there is need for co-operation between police and the communities we serve. In this context, we recognize the importance of being aware of and sensitive to the pluralistic, multiracial and multicultural character of Ontario," Jamieson said.
"While we have every confidence our uniform members have always strived to conduct themselves in a non-discriminatory manner, Mr. Justice Tulloch's recommendations present us with a guide to support them in the provision of better policing services, including lawful street checks, that will in turn strengthen the trust and confidence that the people of Ontario have in the Ontario Provincial Police," said Jamieson.
The OPP Association looks forward to its uniformed members being provided with the necessary training and tools to implement Justice Tulloch's recommendations in order to continue to move forward with our community partners to a safer Ontario.
About the Ontario Provincial Police Association
Headquartered in Barrie, the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA) acts as the bargaining agent for its nearly 10,000 uniform and civilian members. Of equal importance, the OPPA serves as the voice of its members in advocating for improved health and safety standards and better supports for members suffering from operational stress injuries.
SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police Association
Media inquiries: Rob Jamieson, President, Ontario Provincial Police Association, 705-984-6772, [email protected]
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