If you believe the police acted improperly in the course of their work and want to take action, you have two options: you can make a report or file a complaint. In either case, you must act within one year of the event.
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The article in short: Depending on the situation, you can make a report or file a complaint if you believe the police didn’t respect the rules of conduct. Anyone can make a report. But only victims or witnesses of the police’s conduct can file a complaint. After you file a complaint, the Police Ethics Commissioner will make a decision and let you know the outcome. |
Can you make a report or file a complaint?
Depending on your situation, you can make a report or file a complaint with the Police Ethics Commissioner. This table explains what each option is for and who can use it.
Options
What is it for?
Who can use this option?
Report
Reporting police conduct that seems illegal.
Anyone, even if they aren’t a victim or witness of the conduct.
Complaint
- Reporting police conduct that seems illegal.
- Seeking disciplinary action against the police officer.
Only the victim or witness of the illegal conduct.
The Commissioner can take disciplinary action against a police officer who is the subject of a complaint. For example, a police officer who doesn’t follow the rules of conduct could:
- receive a warning,
- be suspended without pay for up to 60 working days,
- be demoted,
- lose their job.
You can also go to court to ask the police to pay you compensation for the harm they caused. For example, you can do this if the police damage your property or cause you physical or psychological harm.
How to make a report
You must make your report within one year of the date of the illegal conduct, or of the date on which you learned that it happened.
In general, you must fill out the report form on the Police Ethics Commissioner’s website. You can also ask the Commissioner to make your report orally.
Try to include as much information as possible in your report. For example:
- the date, time and place of the conduct,
- the identity of the police officers involved,
- the names and contact information of witnesses, if any,
- any documents that support your report, such as videos, photos, or recordings.
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Good to know! You don’t have to give your name when you make a report. You can make an anonymous report. |
For more information on how to make a report, visit the Police Ethics Commissioner‘s website.
How to file a complaint
You must file your complaint within one year of the date of the illegal conduct, or of the date on which you learned that it happened.
In general, you must fill out the complaint form on the Police Ethics Commissioner’s website. You can also ask the Commissioner to file your complaint orally.
Try to include as much information as possible in your complaint. For example:
- the date, time and place of the conduct,
- the identity of the police officers involved,
- the names and contact information of witnesses, if any,
- any documents that support your report, such as videos, photos, or recordings.
You can contact the Commissioner for help writing your complaint and determining what proof you should provide. You can also visit the Police Ethics Commissioner’s website for more information on how to file a complaint.
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What if the Commissioner rejects your complaint? |