Supreme Court Decision on OPP Association Appeal

BARRIE, ON, Dec. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - In the long-awaited ruling in the Wood v. Schaeffer appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled this morning that police officers in Ontario who are involved in SIU investigations must not speak to legal counsel before they write their notes.  The Court did not find that any of the officers involved in the two cases did anything wrong, but it felt that when officers speak to lawyers before doing their notes, an "appearances problem" is created.

OPP Association President, Jim Christie respects the decision and thanks the Supreme Court for bringing clarity to the issue.  "This issue was of such great importance that it was necessary to take the matter to our highest court."

This decision will allow officers, the men and women of the OPP and officers across Ontario to continue to provide the high quality services as they have always delivered with a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities when they are involved in an SIU investigation.

OPP officers understand and respect the importance of public trust and have always conducted themselves professionally and will continue to provide top quality service as they serve and protect the people of Ontario.

President Christie notes that the Association will continue to support officers involved in SIU investigations including providing legal services that comply with the law.

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police Association

Jim Christie, President, OPP Association, [phone]