SIU investigating Picton incident

The province’s Special Investigation Unit (a civilian law enforcement agency independent of the police) is investigating whether there has been criminal wrongdoing on the part of police during an incident in Picton Saturday, Sept. 9.

At approximately 9:35 p.m. officers with the Prince Edward County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to assist local emergency medical services in Picton.

PEC OPP Constable Connor Durkin said in a media release this morning that officers assisted paramedics who were attempting to provide medical treatment to a combative female patient. During the incident the woman suffered an injury and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Durkin said the OPP has notified the province’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) which has invoked its mandate. As a result, the OPP will not be able to provide any further information. A parallel police investigation into the incident is under way.

The mandate of the SIU is to maintain confidence in Ontario’s police services by assuring the public that police actions resulting in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault are subjected to rigorous, independent investigations. Incidents that fall within this mandate must be reported to the SIU by the police service involved, or may be reported by the complainant or any other person.