Date: Thu, 17 Mar 1994 15:11:47 EST From: Robert Riley Subject: Ont.Human Rights Commission asked to investigate London Police Service PRESS RELEASE LONDON POLICE SERVICE -- ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ASKED TO INVESTIGATE The Ontario Human Rights Commission has been asked to investigate potential systemic homophobic, racist and sexist bias within the operational structure of the London Police Service. This concern arises after the London Police Service confirmed that they have over 7,000 pages of documentation pertaining to complaints of homophobic, racist and/or sexist actions by members of the force. Due to the estimated fee of $5,197.50, I am unable to obtain the information. However, the fact that there are over 7,000 pages to be released, warrants closer scrutiny from the OHRC and the public. ---Attachment Letter to Ontario Human Rights Commission January 27, 1994 FAX Ontario Human Rights Commission Toronto, ON Dear Sir/Madam: Please accept this letter as my official request to the Commission to commence an investigation into the operation of the London Police Service, and potential systemic problems existing within it's structures, which may be creating a discriminatory situation or atmosphere for persons having dealings with the police. My concerns arise as a result of a request which I made to the London Police Service for access to information (as per the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act). My request was for: i) Copies of all information; be that information held in written, electronic or other format, and/or in any information file/database, and/or at any office/detachment of your force; pertaining to complaints received from the public, or by police staff, pertaining to any alleged incident of homophobic, racist or sexist actions on the part of your force. That action may be, for example, in the form of comments or physical abuse. I would, of course, expect that personal information regarding the complainant be severed from the records released to me. Please provide the information in relation to homophobic actions for as far back as records may exist. In regard to racist or sexist actions, please provide this information covering complaints received during the period January 1, 1993 to present. The response from the London Police Service (see attached) was that there were seven thousand, four hundred and twenty five (7,425) pages of information to be released. It is my opinion that this fact alone warrants that the Ontario Human Rights Commission take a closer look at the operations/actions of the London Police Service, in order to ensure equal treatment for all persons, and to uphold the Ontario Human Rights Code. I would appreciate being kept abreast of your investigation, and would be pleased to speak with you at any time if I can provide further information or be of assistance in any way. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Robert Riley Attach. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Riley Telephone: (416) 534-5897 85 Dunn Avenue, Suite #2 Facsimile: (416) 534-8019 Toronto, Ontario Canada M6K 2R8 Internet: riley@chicken.planet.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------