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Ontario Ombudsman André Marin has announced a systemic investigation into how the province deals with the use of excessive force against inmates by Ontario jail guards, sparked by numerous complaints that such incidents are being covered up or ignored.
The investigation will look at the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services’ response to inmate complaints, including how it conducts investigations and enforces policies on the use of force.
“We had more than 125 complaints in the last year from inmates who say correctional officers assaulted them,” said Mr. Marin. “Even more disturbing are the allegations that violence has been covered up. There is a concern that a ‘code of silence’ has taken hold among some guards.” The investigation will be conducted by the Special Ombudsman Response Team. The Ombudsman has asked that anyone who has information that could be useful to the investigation to contact his office.
Source: Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario
