13-03 Police Officer Internal Complaint Process

Question 1

How can a civilian member initiate a conduct complaint against a police officer?

Answer 1

By submitting a TPS 649 to the subject member’s supervisor

Civilian members and police officers of equal or lesser rank can initiate a complaint in this manner.

Question 2

What form should a civilian supervisor use to make a complaint against a police officer?

Answer 2

TPS 901

A civilian supervisor that directly manages the police officer uses this form.

Question 3

What is the role of the Deputy Chief of Police in the complaint process against a Senior Officer?

Answer 3

Delegate a supervisor to investigate and report on the matter

The Deputy Chief also acts as a Unit Commander in adjudicating the complaints.

Question 4

What is the time frame for Unit Commanders to forward completed complaint files to PRS – Complaints Administration?

Answer 4

One hundred twenty (120) days

This includes the adjudication/disposition of the complaints.

Question 5

True or False: Police officers have the right to have legal counsel present during an interview.

Answer 5

True

This is subject to the opinion of the investigative supervisor regarding delays.

Question 6

What happens to a witness member’s statement if they become the respondent/subject member?

Answer 6

The statement shall be returned upon demand

No copies shall be retained by any other member of the Service.

Question 7

Define ‘Association’ in the context of the Toronto Police Service.

Answer 7

The Toronto Police Association or the Toronto Police Senior Officers’ Organization

This refers to the representative organizations for police officers.

Question 8

What constitutes an ‘Internal Complaint’?

Answer 8

An allegation from internal sources concerning the conduct of a Toronto Police Service member

This process is distinct from external complaints.

Question 9

List the protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Answer 9

• Age
• Ancestry
• Citizenship
• Colour
• Creed
• Disability
• Ethnic origin
• Family status
• Gender expression
• Gender identity
• Marital status
• Place of origin
• Race
• Receipt of public assistance (in housing only)
• Record of offences (in employment only)
• Sex (including discrimination based on pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• Sexual orientation

These grounds cannot be used for discrimination.

Question 10

What does ‘Respondent/Subject Member’ refer to in the complaint process?

Answer 10

A member of the Service alleged to have engaged in misconduct

This designation is made by the investigating supervisor.