OIPRD Report: Complaint re the Stacy DeBungee Death Investigation

Press Release

Incident Date: Monday, March 5, 2018 – 09:45
Location: Thunder Bay

March 5, 2018 – Thunder Bay, ON

The following written statement is provided on behalf of the TBPS by Inspector Don Lewis, from the Professional Standards Branch.

The investigative report in this matter was produced as a result of a conduct investigation undertaken by the OIPRD. It began as a result of a complaint by two members of the public. In such cases, the TBPS is bound by section 95 of the Police Services Act, which directs that strict confidentiality over the complaints process be maintained until the OIPRD directs a hearing into any allegation of misconduct. Until that time, the Service is legally barred from making any comment to the public.

While the OIPRD has directed hearings in this matter, a Notice of Hearing has yet to be served on the affected officers. Before this occurs, an Application must first be heard by the Police Services Board as a result of the passage of time. This, again, is a requirement pursuant to Section 83(17) of the Police Services Act.

The Police Services Act is structured in this way to ensure that the integrity of the process is maintained and to protect the privacy interests of all those who have participated in or are touched by the OIPRD’s investigation. This is why section 95 exists, and why the service cannot comment.

As a result of the foregoing, the Service cannot release any information or make any comment beyond the above. If you wish to know more I would direct you to contact the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

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