Frequently Asked Questions

What if a Complaint has not been filed?
The Special Investigations Unit will forward a letter to the police service or Complaints Commission with the consent of the complainant; or
The Special Investigations Unit will request that an investigation be conducted, thus authorizing all file information to be provided to the Special Investigations Unit. This process allows the Special Investigations Unit to track and ensure that the complaint is being investigated appropriately.

What if a Complaint was filed previously?
The Special Investigator will make a direct inquiry regarding the status of the investigation.
Upon review of the file materials, the Special Investigations Unit will ascertain whether the investigation was conducted thoroughly. If the Investigator is not confident that all possible avenues of investigation were explored by the investigating party, a letter or meeting may be requested.

It is not the Job of the Special Investigations Unit to assist the police service or complaints commission to do their job. However, it is the job of the Special Investigators to ensure that they do their job properly and thoroughly for the complainant.

Complaints Process: Things to Remember
The Complaints process is very rarely cut and dry. Each complaint is unique and is viewed as an individual experience of each person. The steps outlined here will occur, however, in what order is ultimately determined by those involved in the process.

The complaint process does not operate independently of the complainant. Rather, the complaint process is dependent upon the consent of the complainant.