The OPP Does Not Condone Illegal Profiling

OPP Supports Ontario Human Rights Code

ORILLIA, ON, July 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is responding to a July 17, 2014, media release issued by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) whereupon the Commission announced they were speaking out in the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) systemic review of OPP practices for obtaining voluntary DNA samples.

The OPP is committed to cooperating with the OIPRD systemic review which is in response to a complaint received alleging that the OPP engaged in racial profiling when it requested DNA samples from migrant workers during an aggravated sexual assault investigation in October, 2013.

The OPP is confident of its investigative results and stands by the conduct of its members who undertook a professional and thorough investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this violent crime.

On June 9, 2014 the convicted offender in this investigation was sentenced to a lengthy term in a federal penitentiary.

The OPP looks forward to the OIPRD decision to ascertain if we can learn anything from the process that will be an improvement to our approach to respecting human rights while protecting the public.  To respect the ongoing review by the OIPRD, the OPP cannot make any further comment about the facts surrounding the complaint.

Quotes

"The OPP continues to proactively safeguard the rights and protections afforded all individuals. The OPP does not condone any profiling that is contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code or the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Further, The OPP does not use any law enforcement action that relies upon stereotypes." - J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes, OPP Commissionner

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contact: 
Sgt Pierre Chamberland
Corporate Communications
Phone:    [phone]