Look elsewhere for data, Barrie cops tell ombudsman

Ontario’s ombudsman will have to look elsewhere for information about use of force by Barrie Police officers.

The city’s police services board received a request last month to participate in Ombudsman André Marin’s investigation into police officers’ use of force.

Municipal participation in the study is voluntary.

Instead of sending the data, the board has directed Marin to obtain the information from the province’s Community Safety and Correctional Services Ministry.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve declined to participate in (the study),” Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood said. “There is a process we’re required to follow and we report to the ministry. They know where to find the information.”

The use of force investigation began earlier this summer in the wake of the July death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim in Toronto. He was shot nine times and then tasered after brandishing a knife on a TTC streetcar.

Last month, Marin chose two former police chiefs to act as special advisors in the probe.

Two local examples of police officers’ use of force may be reviewed as part of the ombudsman’s investigation.

Elmvale’s Douglas Minty, 59, was shot five times in his driveway in 2009 by a Huronia West OPP officer. Minty was developmentally challenged and was walking down the driveway with a pocketknife in hand.

Former Barrie Police Const. Jason Nevill is now serving jail time for assault causing bodily harm for the November 2010 attack on Jason Stern, 25, outside the Bayfield Mall.

However, the ombudsman’s office wouldn’t confirm which cases will be scrutinized during its review.

Barrie Police officers had to use force 77 times in 2012, the same amount as in 2011, according to a staff report.

But last year, officers opted to use physical control such as a leg strike, kick or punch 45 times, compared to 19 times in 2011.

Officers also reported twice the amount of personal injuries on the job last year, 13 compared to seven in 2011.

Barrie Police Association president Chris Alton said the local union is also not getting involved in the study.

“Adequacies for use of force are very specific and they are guidelines put out by the ministry,” he said. “If (the ministry was) asking our input or need for change, they would do so. I don’t see it coming from that point right now.”

OPP Sgt. Pierre Chamberland said the provincial force is providing whatever information the ombudsman requires.

“We’re always interested in reviewing our activities and our policies to enhance what we do,” Chamberland said.

“As a result of the report, depending on where that goes, we’d be willing to take a look at our policies.”

The study will examine if the province should issue a standard direction to police officers to ensure the same de-escalation techniques are used, ombudsman spokesperson Linda Williamson said.

“We have received submissions and interest from several police services in Ontario, Canada and elsewhere,” Williamson said. “A few have declined to co-operate as well. The ombudsman is hopeful that more police will come forward and share their ideas and expertise.”

Marin is the former head of Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which investigates instances of death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault involving police.