This chart is an overview of what happens, and when, in the public complaints process. Each complaint is looked at individually and is handled according to the Police Services Act and the OIPRD’s Rules of Procedure.
PDF version of the above chart
1. Complaint is submitted, either:
(a) Directly to the OIPRD
(b) At a police station or detachment and forwarded to OIPRD.
2. Screening
(a) Complaint is screened in, or
(b) Complaint is screened out and closed.
3. Optional: Early Resolution – Provides an opportunity for complaints and respondent officers to voluntarily resolve a complaint before it is formally screened in under the PSA.
(a) If successful, the complaint is closed
(b) If unsuccessful, the complaint is screened in.
4. Investigation by police service.
* Informal Resolution or Informal Resolution via mediation may be requested during investigation.
(a) Allegations unsubstantiated, or
(b) Allegations substantiated less serious, or
(c) Allegations substantiated serious.
OR
5. Investigation by OIPRD.
* Informal Resolution or Informal Resolution via mediation may be requested during investigation.
(a) Allegations unsubstantiated. Complaint closed, or
(b) Allegations substantiated is sent to chief to decide whether its serious or less serious.
(c) Allegations substantiated serious and sent to chief for disciplinary hearing and decision.
(d) Allegations substantiated less serious is sent to chief for Informal Resolution or penalty.
** Complainants may not request a review (appeal) of an investigation conducted by OIPRD.
6. OIPRD reviews investigative report.
7. Complainant may request a review (appeal).
(a) OIPRD confirms decision, or
(b) OIPRD substitutes decision for that of chief’s.
8. Decision
(a) Allegations unsubstantiated. Complaint closed, or
(b) Allegations substantiated less serious, sent to chief for informal resolution or penalty, or
(c) Allegations substantiated serious, sent to chief for disciplinary hearing and decision.
