Crown pre-charge screening would reduce racial profiling in Ontario: commission
The Ontario Human Rights Commission is recommending the province introduce a system that would see police consult with prosecutors before charging suspects.
It's one of 10 ways the commission says the Ontario government could reduce racial profiling and overcharging.
The framework from the human rights commission says Crown pre-charge screening is already in place in some other provinces, where charges are much less likely to be withdrawn.
It notes that Black, Indigenous and other racialized people are often overcharged.
The commission also recommends making processes for investigating allegations of officer misconduct more transparent, including mandating the release of informal discipline records and allowing police forces to share information with the public while Special Investigations Unit probes are ongoing.
As it stands, the SIU Act prevents police services from disclosing information about a case while the SIU is investigating it.
"The public should know whether a subject officer is still on active front-line duty, or has been assigned elsewhere in the service limiting interaction with the public," the commission said.
The human rights commission also suggests requiring officers to use de-escalation techniques before resorting to force.
It recommends "civilianizing" some police roles.
"Relying on officers who are armed with lethal use of force options to perform routine tasks, such as traffic enforcement and non-emergency wellness checks, diverts precious resources away from core public safety functions," the commission said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.