POLICE COMPLAINTS
Seeking accountability. Supporting safer systems.
A police complaint is a formal complaint about police conduct. Complaints may involve concerns such as excessive force, discrimination, harassment, unlawful arrest, failure to investigate, inappropriate comments, neglect of duty, or other conduct that caused harm or raised accountability concerns.
PATH assists with police complaint matters that fall within our mandate, particularly where the complaint intersects with systemic discrimination, incarceration, gender-based violence, poverty, disability, or other barriers to justice. We help clients understand the complaint process, organize evidence, identify legal issues, and consider possible next steps.
How We Can Help
PATH may be able to assist with:
Reviewing concerns about police conduct
Helping clients understand available complaint processes
Drafting or supporting police complaints
Identifying related human rights, Charter, or civil litigation issues
Supporting clients in responding to investigation updates or requests for information
Advising on possible next steps if a complaint is dismissed or unresolved
What to Expect
If your matter appears to fall within PATH’s mandate, we may ask you to describe what happened, when and where it occurred, which police service or officers were involved, and whether any complaint has already been filed. We may also ask for notes, photographs, medical records, witness information, video, correspondence, or other documents that may help us understand the issue.
When to Contact Us
If your matter appears to fall within PATH’s mandate, we may ask you to describe what happened, when and where it occurred, which police service or officers were involved, and whether any complaint has already been filed. We may also ask for notes, photographs, medical records, witness information, video, correspondence, or other documents that may help us understand the issue.
Documents & Information
That May Help
You do not need to have all of these documents or details before contacting PATH. If your matter appears to fall within our mandate, we may ask for some of the following information to better understand the issue and assess how we may be able to assist.
A description of what happened, including dates, times, and locations
The police service or officers involved, if known
Badge numbers, occurrence numbers, ticket numbers, or file numbers
Photos, videos, audio recordings, medical records, or notes
Names and contact information for witnesses
Any complaint already filed and responses received
Court documents, release papers, tickets, or charge information, if relevant
Information about injuries, discrimination, property damage, arrest, detention, or other harm
Need help?
To request assistance, please complete PATH's intake form. If there are any upcoming hearing dates, deadlines, or urgent issues, please include that information when contacting us.
Alternatively, you may call our intake phone line at 1 (844) PAROLE-04 (1-844-727-6534) to leave a voicemail. Please note that PATH Legal does not accept unscheduled or cold calls. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, you must leave a voicemail or complete the intake form above.