The Ontario government has appointed Devon Clunis as the province's first Inspector General of Policing.
Clunis, a former chief of the Winnipeg Police Service, will provide oversight of policing in Ontario. He will also be responsible for setting up an Inspectorate of Policing, which will work with the government and its partners to develop regulations under the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), 2019.
"I am delighted to welcome Mr. Clunis as Ontario's first Inspector General of Police," said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. "With his proven track record as an exceptional and transformational police leader, Mr. Clunis' contribution will be invaluable as we continue our work to ensure Ontarians receive the modern, efficient, and high-quality policing services they deserve. The inspectorate that he will establish will improve transparency and accountability to the public and help increase trust between the public and their police services."
BayToday tried to reach out to North Bay Police Chief Scott Tod for comment but was unsuccessful.
The inspectorate will operate at arm's length from the government to provide policing oversight and ensure effective policing services are provided to every community in Ontario.
The inspectorate will:
- Monitor and conduct inspections of police services to ensure compliance with the CSPA and its regulations once this act is in force.
- Monitor and conduct inspections of police service boards to prevent police misconduct and impose measures where necessary.
- Investigate policing complaints related to the provision of adequate and effective policing services.
- Develop, maintain and manage records, conduct analyses regarding compliance with the CSPA and publish inspection results and annual reports.
The creation of the position of Inspector General of Policing is the next step in delivering reforms to policing in Ontario following the passage of the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act in 2019.
Clunis has co-authored two children’s books on diversity and inclusion and has been central to national conversations on policing and community relationships arising from the Black communities’ calls for justice in the delivery of policing services.
