Policing in Canada is facing a crisis of confidence, with one-third of Canadians mistrusting police and demands for meaningful oversight mounting. Canadians subjected to municipal, provincial and federal policing deserve transparency and genuine accountability. What they’re getting are attempts to whitewash and cover up misconduct.

Policing is struggling to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly complex society. Policing will never be perfect – mistakes and malfeasance can happen. Independent oversight to monitor and investigate adverse outcomes or allegations of wrongdoing is an integral part of the effective functioning of a trustworthy and confident police force. Such a mechanism will not only provide oversight within the forces but reassure the public whom they serve that the police are accountable and reliable.

Police cannot police other police. At least three recent cases in Ontario are proving this point by highlighting why independent oversight of the police is urgently necessary.

Why this matters more to us

For us, the authors of this commentary, the importance of independent police oversight is personal. Yusuf Faqiri’s brother Soleiman died at the hands of correctional officers while in a mental health crisis. Anita Szigeti’s family lost a close friend in Constable Jeffrey Northrup when he died in an accident that led to a........

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