Oshawa Police Use of Force Policy - Find Online

Public Safety Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

This guide explains where to find the official use-of-force policy that applies to police serving Oshawa, Ontario, how to read key provisions, and the practical steps to request the policy, file complaints, or seek review. In Oshawa policing is provided by the Durham Regional Police Service; the service publishes its policies and describes complaint and oversight routes. Durham Regional Police Service - policies and public documents[1] and provincial civilian oversight details are available from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director for Ontario.Office of the Independent Police Review Director[2]

Where to find the policy

The primary source for use-of-force rules affecting officers in Oshawa is the Durham Regional Police Service policy library and any related Service Directives or procedure manuals published by the Service. Check the Service policies page for a policy titled "Use of Force", "Use of Force Continuum", or similar headings. The Durham Regional Police Service site is the authoritative municipal/regional source for local policy documents for Oshawa residents.

Always use the Service's published policy page to ensure you are reading the current directive.

Penalties & Enforcement

Discipline for improper use of force is handled through internal professional standards processes, the Durham Regional Police Services Board, and provincial civilian oversight. Monetary fines for officers are generally not the enforcement mechanism in police discipline; instead, sanctions commonly include written reprimands, suspension, demotion, dismissal, or referral for criminal charges where appropriate. Specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited pages.

  • Enforcers: Durham Regional Police Professional Standards, Durham Police Services Board, and provincial oversight bodies.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: reprimands, suspension, dismissal, mandatory retraining, or criminal charges (where applicable).
  • Inspection and review: internal investigations and external civilian review processes may examine use-of-force incidents.
  • Appeals and review: disciplinary decisions can be subject to board review or judicial review; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences and discretion: policies typically allow for officers to act where reasonably necessary and proportionate; exact wording is in the Service policy document.
Sanctions are primarily administrative or criminal rather than fixed fines listed on municipal pages.

Applications & Forms

To challenge a use-of-force incident you normally file a public complaint with the police service and you may also contact provincial oversight. The Durham Regional Police Service publishes information on how to file a public complaint and any required forms on its website; the cited pages do not list mandatory fees for filing complaints.

  • Complaint form: public complaint form available from the Durham Regional Police Service website (no fee specified on the cited page).
  • Submission: follow the Service instructions for online submission, mail, or in-person delivery where listed.
  • Deadlines: time-limited reporting windows may apply for some review routes; specific limits are not specified on the cited pages.
If you want a copy of the current directive, request the policy in writing from the Service's records or policy office.

Practical action steps

  • Locate the Service policy page and download the Use of Force policy for review.
  • If involved in or witnessing an incident, document dates, times, and witnesses and preserve any video.
  • File a public complaint with Durham Regional Police to trigger internal review, and consider contacting provincial oversight for external review.
  • If criminal conduct is suspected, inquire about referral to the appropriate criminal investigation or Crown office.

FAQ

Who writes the use-of-force policy that applies in Oshawa?
The Durham Regional Police Service prepares and publishes its use-of-force policy that governs officers assigned to Oshawa.
Can I get a copy of the policy?
Yes. The policy is published or available on request from the Durham Regional Police Service policy or records pages; the Service site outlines how to obtain documents.
Where do I file a complaint about use of force?
File a public complaint with the Durham Regional Police Service and you may also contact provincial civilian oversight at the Office of the Independent Police Review Director for external review.
Start complaints promptly and keep a clear record of what happened and who was involved.

How-To

  1. Find the Durham Regional Police Service "Policies" or "Publications" page and download the Use of Force policy.
  2. Collect evidence: dates, times, witness names, photos, and any video.
  3. Complete the public complaint form on the Service website and submit per instructions.
  4. If unsatisfied with internal outcomes, contact provincial oversight for review of the complaint.

Key Takeaways

  • The authoritative policy for Oshawa officers is published by Durham Regional Police.
  • File complaints through Durham Regional Police and consider provincial oversight if needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Durham Regional Police Service - policies and public documents
  2. [2] Office of the Independent Police Review Director

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