Ontario Civilian Police Commission


The Ontario Civilian Police Commission, previously known as the Ontario Police Commission and the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services, is an independent quasi-judicial agency that provides civilian oversight of police services in Ontario.
The role and authority of OCPC is mandated under the Ontario Police Services Act and Interprovincial Policing Act.
Until 1990, the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services Board of Inquiry was the civilian oversight of police services in Ontario after which the Special Investigations Unit took over the role.

Organization

OCPC is headed by a Chair and eight other members. Some board members have legal backgrounds, while others have public service experience.

Responsibilities

OCPC handles complaints involving police conduct that do not result in a serious injury or death in the province, or that have been sent to OCPC from local police agencies. All other cases are investigated by the Special Investigations Unit.
Requests for other types of services can also be made by the Provincial government. For example, in late May 2019, the Commission appointed a retired Toronto deputy chief, Mike Federico, as administrator to oversee the Durham Regional Police whose senior ranks were being investigated for alleged corruption and abuse of power. As of that time, none of the allegations had been proven. The allegations were first brought to light in an April 19, 2019 report in the Toronto Star; at the time, a lawyer representing Chief Paul Martin said the allegations are "false and defamatory".