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The province’s Special Investiga- MfilesevenoleofflleSIU’sfull- tions Unitconductsfiromugh” probes time invesflgnmts have back- anddlereexists aprofessional relafion- grounds, much of the agency’s day-to ship between the unitand theYork dayworkisdonebyBOso-mlled“as Regional Police Association. union " investigators stationed across presidentlohnMisldwsaid. fllepmvinoeâ€"uofwhomarefonner While there maybe difierences of polioeoflioers opinionfmmtimetotimeregarding Members are barred from inves- thereleaseofsomepolidesordomâ€" tigatingforoes where theypreviously ments during SIU Mr. worked.Mr.Marin’s reportstatee Miskiw said he doesnt remember a Nme of 10 forensic __investigative time when the situation developed into an argument or confrontation. “That is just not there in York Region," he said. The union’s lawyers provide coun- seltopolibeofiioersduringSIUprobes Outside of the interview prowss, fur- ther SIU communication is done through union lawyers and manage- ment liaisons, Mi: Mius said, addâ€" ing SIU investigators are not walking around police stations during their tedmiciansarefonneroificers, aswell asallofthe ' rsandtheexecu- tiveoflicemhereportshows lt’snotallbad. “'Ihefactthatformer police are car- ryingoutthebulkoftheworkinsm . o investigations does not automatically mean such investigations are improp- erly biased, of course,” Mr. Marin stressed “In fact. during our investigation. we were unable to find any objective - J! -'-l---I ---- L-J probe “I don’t see a big. glaring problem with the SIU at this point,” he said. Mr. Misldw’s comments come on the heels of a 121-page report, entitled Oversight Unseen, authored by Ontar- io ombudsman Andre Marin. In the report, MI. Marin slams the agency that investigates cases of serious injuries involving police, including allegations of sexual assault and deaths. The SIU isbeingcalledonlhecarâ€" pet, for, among other problems. tol- erating delays for interviews with wit- ness officers to an incident. The report also made more than 40 recommen- dations, including that the SIU use “whatever means available” to diver- sify its workforce Mr. Marin called the agency oom- placent; a toothless tiger rife with endemic delays, adding legislation is needed to strengthen the SIU, includ- ing enacting internal changes to dispel, what he called, “conspiracy theories" and public perceptions the agency has a pro-police bias. Morley Lymbumer, publisher of Markham-based national law enforcement magazine Blue Line and Stouflville resident, said while he sup- ports the idea of investigating police Scathing report on investigators not case in York Region What is aphasia? York police, SIU work well together: union Find out more Volunteer and help build new lives! BY 10E FANTAUZZI Staff Writer WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE SOCCER CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:30 pm. Stouffville High School (801 Hoover Park Dr.) More info at 905-640-1800 or www.wssc.info ALL MEMBERS WELCOME ‘ thssing oflioers'faoestdlethwdxeSIU willmvokeitsmandateandbeginfan- nklgothmmMLLymbumer. afonnerZSâ€"yearveuemnofdxeMetm- politan'lbmntoPohce,saidhefindsit hardtobelievemeagency’s investiga- been tainted improper motives. However, the presence of so many forâ€" mer officers in the SIU presents sig- CORRECTION NOTICE On page 12, Croco bath accessories are not available. In the October 9th flyer, on page 6. Salton 18 bottie dual zone wine cooler valued at $199.99 is incorrect. The correct value is $299.99. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. “lulmlm There is a place for former police offices in the SIU, MI. bymbumer argued; the unit needs people trained in law enforcement to investigate sceâ€" narios involving police. Mn Marin announced last year he would investigate the unit after the SIU asked fofmore provincial cash to deal with caseload pressuxes, SIU DirectorlamesComishsaidinastate- ment. Eadierth'myeamheprovimegrant- ed the agency about $700,000, which the SIU says will be used for two new entry-level investigative positions, > Do you have faith in the work Ontario's Special Investigations Unit does? E-mai| jmason@yrmg.com HAVE YOUR SAY additional staff and to fund an outmadi co-ondinator, MI. one-time funding for a “mobile invesâ€" tigative centre", he said V “The Ombudsman noted that there have been some investigative flaws in isolated cases,” Mr. Cornish of course, reminds us that wemustalwaysstrivetodobetter.As the ombudsman pointed out, when the $111 discovers a flaw in the thor- oughness of an investigation or in the adequacy of its practices, we take steps to redress the issues” While no officer would shy away from being held accountable for his or her actions, the SIU process can be amemely stressful, said Supt. Tom Carrique, otYork Regional Police’s stafi “It really turns the table for (the oflioer) because they am being invesâ€" tigated as a possible offender," he said. He achImvledged that while it Stoufiville Sun-Z'flbune I 'l‘hursdayz ()ct‘ isnotpieasantforanofiioertobe subjected to an investigation, he said it is necessary and maintains public confidence. For its part following the report’s release, the Minisz of the Attorney General reiterated its commitment to the $700,000 promised to the SIU for staffing and funding a mobile investigative centre. The province also committed, among other points, it would clarify the accountability and independence of the SIU director to ensure the unit is accountable to tax- payers but has total independence in decision-making and that it would bring issues of concern identified by the SIU to the attention of other minâ€" istries on a regular basis as they arise. “I have confidence in the leader- ship and the men and women of the SIU," Attorney General Chris Bentley said in a statement “I also have confidence in the police oflioers who work hand every day to keep our streets safe." 9, 2008 II