File a Use of Force Complaint - London Police
In London, Ontario, anyone who believes they were subjected to excessive or improper police use of force can file a complaint with the London Police Service or with the provincial oversight body. This guide explains where to file, what information to include, the roles of local and provincial investigators, and the actions you can expect after filing. It applies to incidents involving officers of the London Police Service and summarizes official complaint channels, common steps, and practical tips to preserve evidence and meet administrative requirements.
How to file a complaint
Start by documenting the incident: date, time, location, names or badge numbers if known, witness names and contact details, and any photos or medical records. To submit a complaint you can use the London Police Service complaint process or the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) complaint intake; each organization provides forms and intake options online and by phone. For London Police Service complaint information and contact details see the London Police Service Professional Standards pages London Police Service - Complaints & Professional Standards[1]. For filing directly with the provincial oversight body see the OIPRD complaints page OIPRD - Make a complaint[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement and remedies for substantiated improper use of force are handled through internal disciplinary processes under the Police Services Act and, where applicable, by independent provincial investigators and the police service's discipline mechanisms. Specific monetary fines for use-of-force complaints are not typically listed on complaint pages and are handled through administrative or disciplinary sanctions rather than by fixed bylaw fines; where a statute or regulation specifies penalties, the controlling instrument should be consulted.[3]
- Fines or financial penalties: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: internal discipline, reprimands, suspension, demotion, or direction to re-train; criminal charges may be pursued by Crown counsel if evidence supports them.
- Enforcers and investigators: London Police Service Professional Standards Unit and provincial oversight by OIPRD for certain complaint types.
- Inspection, review and complaint pathways: file with London Police Service or OIPRD using their official intake methods; see links in this article for contact pages.[1][2]
- Appeal/review routes and time limits: procedures for review, appeal or referral to adjudication are governed by the Police Services Act and related regulations; specific time limits are not specified on the cited complaint pages.
Applications & Forms
The two main complaint intake forms are the London Police Service complaint submission options and the OIPRD complaint form. Official forms and submission instructions are available on the linked pages below.
- London Police Service complaint form and instructions: available on the London Police Service complaints/professional standards page.[1]
- OIPRD complaint form and online intake: available on the OIPRD site with options for online, mail, or fax submission.[2]
- Fees: no filing fee is described on the official complaint pages.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Excessive force allegations: investigation, possible discipline or criminal referral.
- Failure to identify: investigation and corrective measures may follow.
- Pursuit or use-of-weapon concerns: may trigger specialized review and oversight.
Action steps
- Step 1: Record details immediately and collect evidence and witness contacts.
- Step 2: Choose whether to file with London Police Service or OIPRD and complete the official form.
- Step 3: Submit the complaint via the official web intake, mail, or phone options on the cited pages.
- Step 4: Keep copies of submissions and follow up with the investigating office for timelines and next steps.
FAQ
- Who can file a use-of-force complaint?
- Any member of the public, including victims and witnesses, can file a complaint with the London Police Service or with the OIPRD; organizations may also assist individuals to file.
- Do I need a lawyer to file?
- No, you may file without a lawyer; legal advice is optional and may be helpful for complex cases or if you plan a parallel civil claim or criminal report.
- Is there a filing deadline?
- Specific time limits are not specified on the cited complaint intake pages; you should file as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness access.[2]
- Will filing trigger criminal charges?
- Filing a complaint starts an administrative or independent review; if investigators find evidence of criminal conduct they may refer the matter to Crown counsel for criminal charges.
How-To
- Document the incident: date, time, location, officer identifiers and witness information.
- Gather evidence: photos, medical reports, audio or video, and any communications.
- Complete the official complaint form on the London Police Service website or the OIPRD intake page.[1][2]
- Submit the form by the method specified on the official page and retain copies of everything submitted.
- Follow up with the investigating unit for confirmation, timelines and next steps.
Key Takeaways
- File promptly and keep detailed records and evidence.
- Two primary complaint routes: London Police Service and OIPRD.
- Discipline or criminal referral depends on investigation findings and applicable law.
Help and Support / Resources
- London Police Service - Complaints & Professional Standards
- OIPRD - Make a Complaint
- Police Services Act (Ontario) - e-Laws