TORONTO, June 16, 2015 /CNW/ - The Police Association of Ontario (PAO) is supportive of the government's intention to review identification procedures (police checks) so that it is consistent, free of bias and improves public safety. PAO is concerned the value of police check procedures as depicted in the media will become a casualty of politics.
"PAO supports the government's consultation process towards a fair policy that will protect Ontarians and will not impede an officer's ability to conduct investigations that can lead to an arrest," says PAO President Bruce Chapman. "Identification procedures is an effective investigative tool that has proven to solve crimes and identify leads – it is not initiated for issues such as jaywalking or people walking their dogs at night."
Identification procedures is typically used when a uniformed officer stops an individual that is in an area known for a number of unsolved sexual assaults or break-ins as an example. This individual may not be a suspect, but could be a witness or know something that can lead to an arrest.
Individuals stopped as a result of police check have a right to not disclose their name if they do not want to. Chapman says most of the public want to help the police when it comes to ensuring the protection of their communities.
"We don't want to have a situation in the future whereby a police officer would have been able to obtain information that led to the arrest of a suspect and didn't, as a result of a flawed policy" says Chapman.
Identification procedures such as 'carding' and 'police checks' aid in the apprehension of suspects or generates leads related to a number of criminal offences, such as, but not limited to:
Police Association of Ontario is the official voice and representative body for Ontario's front-line police personnel.
SOURCE Police Association of Ontario
Image with caption: "Police Association of Ontario (CNW Group/Police Association of Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150616_C4217_PHOTO_EN_18135.jpg
Bruce Chapman, PAO President, Cell: 905-599-4813; Stephen Reid, Executive Director, Cell: 416-435-4455
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