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Articles on Special Investigations Unit

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Members of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at the scene of a homicide investigation in Hamilton, Ont., May 2023. The unit is charged with investigating potential misconduct by Ontario police officers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Does the Ontario Special Investigations Unit need a broader mandate to improve police oversight?

The SIU plays a vital role in providing oversight of Ontario police officers. But how effective is the agency in practice?
A special constable with the Kawartha Lakes Police Services stands at a road block in Kawartha Lakes, Ont. in November 2020, following the death of an 18-month-old boy during a police pursuit. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Doug Ives

Jameson Shapiro shooting trial: Why police trials perform a vital public service

A criminal trial is a venue where not only individual police officers accused of crimes are put under public scrutiny, but so too are the training and tactics that officer received.
Few cases of sexual assault by police are investigated by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, and fewer result in a conviction. (Shutterstock)

Convictions remain rare when police are accused of sexual assault

Sexual violence by police is more common than many might think. Failing to fully investigate can have a chilling effect on what is already the most underreported violent crime in Canada.

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