SIU Releases 2024/25 Annual Report

Press Release

Mississauga, ON

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) today released its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting a period of growth, modernization, and renewed emphasis on accountability.

Key Highlights:

A First in Ontario: SIU Welcomes NAPS Under its Mandate

In December 2024, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service became the first Indigenous police service in Ontario to opt into the Community Safety and Policing Act, bringing the police service under SIU oversight. Over the past year, the SIU has taken steps to prepare for this historic change through outreach, training, and the appointment of a Senior Advisor for Indigenous Relations.

Caseload Growth & Outcomes

• The SIU received 539 new cases, with 361 investigations initiated. The remaining cases were resolved by way of an Investigative Managers Report (IMR). IMRs are reports prepared to document cases reported to the SIU through various channels, where it is clear based on the information initially provided to the SIU at intake or following a preliminary assessment by a SIU Investigative Manager that these matters are not within the mandate. The time spent by the Investigative Manager to review theses intakes often results in hours/days saved in lieu of assigning an investigative team.
• Over the fiscal year, 365 cases were closed – 275 by Director’s Report (~75%), 73 by memo (20%) and 17 by way of criminal charges against 18 officers (~ 4.7%).
• The average number of days to close all cases was 134.6. Memo cases were closed in approximately 104 days, and Director’s Report cases were closed in approximately 131 days. Approximately 87% of cases were closed in under 120 days.

Support for Affected Persons

The Affected Persons Program (APP) was involved in 302 cases, including 32 that required court support services – a 232% increase in annual case involvement since the program’s inception in 2019. The program supported a total of 684 affected persons, representing a 461% increase in individuals served annually since the APP was established.

Transparency & Communications

The SIU issued 436 news releases — averaging ~36 per month. Its X (formerly Twitter) account accumulated nearly 25,000 followers. In that time, the SIU’s posts made more than 825,000 impressions and had an average 7% engagement rate. The SIU provides case status reports via an online chart and publishes Director’s Reports, updates, and memos on its site.

Outreach Program

Over the year, the SIU took part in 57 events, including community events, student presentations and emergency and forensic services. The number of contacts made exceeded 5,000.

Modernization of Technology

In 2024/25, the SIU implemented several new digital systems to enhance operational efficiency and data management. The integration of AI-powered transcription through the AXON Digital Evidence Management system has reduced audio transcription time by 43%. A new electronic race-based data collection survey launched in May 2024 has increased response rates. The SIU also transitioned to the Niche Records Management System, improving case tracking and data analytics. Additionally, a new online fleet management system has streamlined vehicle bookings and improved resource deployment.

Financials & Resources

Total expenditures for the year: $12,201,133, with approximately 86% of the expenditures allocated to Salary and Wages and Employee Benefits. Investigations and Forensics were 60% of the total expenditures. Staff Training expenditures were $21,143.00 (0.2%) of the 2024-25 Year-end Budget.

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please call the Affected Persons Program General Referral Line at 1-877-641-1897 or click here for more information: siu.on.ca/en/apc.php

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

• consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
• depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
• publicly report the results of its investigations

Lisez ce communiqué en français.

Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES

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