THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay will host the first of a series of province-wide consultations that are part of a review of police street checks, also known as "carding".
Justice Michael Tulloch of the Ontario Court of Appeal is conducting an independent review of a regulation introduced last year on the collection of identifying information by police.
The regulation went into effect on January 1, 2017, and prohibits police from requesting identifying information arbitrarily, or based on a person's race or presence in a high-crime neighbourhood during certain police-public interactions.
It established new training, record-keeping and reporting requirements to improve accountability. It also set out new rules that police must follow when requesting identifying information, and outlined in what situations the rules apply.
The new rules apply if an officer asks the person for identifying information or to see an identifying document while:
- Looking into suspicious activities
- Gathering intelligence
- Investigating possible criminal activity
The new rules do not apply if police ask for identifying information or to see an identifying document while:
- Doing a traffic stop
- Arresting or detaining someone
- Executing a warrant
- Investigating a specific crime
Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to set out rules for voluntary police-public interactions where police are seeking to collect identifying information.
When they were announced, the government said the rules would "ensure these interactions are conducted without bias or discrimination, and done in a manner that promotes public confidence and keeps Ontario communities safe."
Thunder Bay Police have stated in the past that their officers do not engage in carding. In a 2015 statement, they said "Officers will from time to time have the need to speak with members of the public. The Thunder Bay Police Service does not arbitrarily stop persons to collect personal information."
Justice Tulloch last year completed a provincial review of civilian police oversight. His report resulted in November in the Wynne government's announcement of sweeping changes to policing laws, including stronger oversight of the system and the power to suspend officers without pay when they are accused of serious crimes.
In his investigation into carding, the judge has said he wants to hear from the public whether the new rules are being followed and whether they address the public concerns about the practice.
Justice Tulloch will also hold individual meetings with police, police associations, community groups and community members.
The public consultation in Thunder Bay is scheduled for Thursday, February 1 at the Da Vinci Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
