Inspector General Decisions and Findings: Latest Releases (December 31, 2025)

As part of the Police Association of Ontario’s (PAO) ongoing commitment to keeping members informed about key developments from Ontario’s civilian police oversight bodies, we are sharing that the Inspector General’s (IG) office has recently released on December 31, 2025, several new Decisions and Findings Reports under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA).

Below are summaries of the IG’s latest Decisions and Findings Reports from the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), and Ottawa Police Service (OPS), with direct links to the full documents. For questions about the Inspector General’s mandate or any details in these reports, please contact the PAO’s legal counsel, Flo Vineberg.

Effective Policing Standards: The IG determined that Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) complied with CSPA requirements when investigating harassment and stalking complaints that were initially treated as by-law matters. Officers attended several calls, conducted appropriate assessments, and issued a “Road Watch” letter regarding potential HTA violations. The IG found no evidence supporting criminal harassment allegations, confirming DRPS’s appropriate actions.

Here is a link to the full Decision.

Adequate and Effective Policing Standards: The IG found the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) met CSPA requirements in responding to a noise complaint and related issues. NRPS maintained proper dispatch communication, delivered an appropriate emergency response, and was commended for confirming attendance and keeping callers informed—demonstrating transparency and building public trust.

Here is a link to the full Decision.

Process Improvement Recommendations: The IG reviewed an incident involving the Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) response to a 911 call from a daycare about an aggressive individual. While OPS “technically” complied with CSPA requirements, the IG raised concerns about the initial low-priority classification and delays in relaying vital information to dispatch. The IG recommended that OPS review and strengthen internal procedures to prevent similar delays.

Here is a link to the full Decision.

Internal Procedure Enhancement: The IG found the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) met CSPA requirements in responding to a trespasser complaint. However, the IG noted OPS failed to follow its own delay notification process for lower-priority calls. The IG recommended that the OPS more rigorously adhere to communication protocols to strengthen public confidence.

Here is a link to the full Decision.