Law & Order

Overview

The Ombudsman consistently receives thousands of complaints every year about correctional services, policing and other aspects of the justice system. We oversee the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Ministry of the Attorney General, and the bulk of their agencies and tribunals. As of April 1, 2024, the Ombudsman has an expanded ability to oversee police oversight organizations regarding events that occur on or after April 1, 2024.

Although the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction does not include direct oversight of municipal, provincial, First Nations, federal police, or courts, our proactive work and investigations have prompted reforms in such areas as police de-escalation training, police oversight and compensation of crime victims. The same is true of correctional services, where work is continuing to implement the Ombudsman’s recommended improvements to the use of segregation (solitary confinement) and the monitoring of the use of force by correctional officers.

We can

• Help with unresolved complaints or investigate systemic issues regarding such organizations as:

  • Ministry of the Attorney General

  • Ministry of the Solicitor General

  • Provincial jails and detention centres, as well as youth custody facilities

  • Special Investigations Unit

  • Tribunals Ontario

See our full list of bodies we oversee.
 

We cannot

• Take complaints about:

  • Police services (except for some administrative aspects of the Ontario Provincial Police)

  • Police service boards

  • Decisions of courts/judges

  • Self-regulating professions such as lawyers

• Overturn decisions of elected officials or direct them on public policy

See our list of Common Referrals.
 

Trends in cases (2023-2024 Annual Report)

• Overview

• Policing

  • Expanded jurisdiction over police oversight - as of April 2024

  • Ombudsman's submission to government - de-escalation training standards

• Correctional services

  • Medical issues and Health care

  • Cultural and diet issues

  • Accessibility

  • Access to indigenous services

  • Personal property

Investigations and case summaries

• Investigations

• Case summaries