The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) in Ontario is currently looking into two recent complaints regarding alleged sexual assaults by Ottawa police officers, bringing the total number of ongoing sexual assault investigations involving the force to three. The most recent complaint, filed on Sept. 10, alleges a sexual assault that occurred in November 2023, involving a female complainant. Another complaint was lodged on Sept. 4 by a woman against an on-duty Ottawa police officer; however, the specific date of the alleged assault was not disclosed.
These latest complaints follow a previous sexual assault allegation received by the SIU on July 24, involving an on-duty Ottawa police officer and a female member of the public in an incident from January of this year, which is still being investigated. The SIU has identified two witness officers in connection with this case.
The SIU’s scope includes investigating serious injuries, deaths, allegations of sexual assault, and firearm discharges by on-duty police in Ontario. Additionally, off-duty incidents may be investigated if the officer was using issued equipment or was engaged in law enforcement activities at the time. The watchdog defines sexual assault as any unwanted sexual contact that violates the victim’s sexual integrity, encompassing actions such as inappropriate touching during a search, kissing, and sexual acts.