Use of Force
Officers may be required in the course of their duties, to use force to protect the public and themselves. While the criminal code grants police this authority, officers are also accountable to use the appropriate level of force necessary.
All sworn officers must submit a “Use of Force” report in the following situations:
1. Firearm is drawn in public;
2. Firearm is discharged (other than training);
3.Impact weapon, other than firearm is used on an individual;
4.Aerosol weapon (OC spray) is used on an individual
5.A Conducted Energy Weapon (C.E.W. – Taser) is utilized in the arrest of a subject.
6. Empty hand techniques are used on an individual and results in an injury requiring medical attention.
Annual Use of Force and firearms training is mandatory for all sworn officers.
Use of Force and firearms re-qualification is conducted by Six Nations Police Officers Deputy Chief Tim Bomberry and Detective Constable Michael Anderson. Both of these officers are certified to provide re-qualification training anywhere in the province.
Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO’s)
SOCO’s are a group of front line officers specifically trained in the collection of evidence and photography.
While SOCO’s are not fully trained forensic identification officers, they are trained to provide a primary response at most minor crime scenes. This response would include fingerprinting, photography and gathering physical evidence, which includes blood, hair and footprint evidence.
At serious crime scenes, the Six Nations Police Service call in the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police’s Forensic Ident Unit.
R.I.D.E. Checks
R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) checks are one of the strategies the Six Nations Police Service employs during long weekends, the holiday season and at special events to help keep our community roadway safe.
In 2016 more than 2,000 vehicles passed through these R.I.D.E. checks. It was encouraging to see that these checks resulted in only two (2) impaired driving charges.
R.I.D.E. checks are an effective enforcement too. They also serve as a public education strategy. This is evident by the number of vehicles being driving by designated drivers.
Distracted Driving
Drivers might want to think twice about picking up that smart phone while they’re behind the wheel.
Fines and penalties have been increased for drivers who text, email, or use a handheld phone. Under new legislation, fines have jumped considerably. There is a significant increase from the previous fines.
Use of handheld electronic devices while driving has been against the law since 2009, with the exception of emergency calls to 9-1-1.
Surveys have been conducted and a number of recent studies revealed that distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in an accident.
Criminal Investigations Unit
The Criminal Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating major criminal cases. These include the more serious, complex or multi-jurisdictional cases.
This unit employs the province’s Major Case Management System. This system is a case management methodology that emphasizes accountability and multi-disciplinary approach to investigations of defined major offences. With the associated software it assists in ensuring that major case investigations are focused, methodically controlled and audited throughout the life of the investigation.
The officers assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit have required investigative experience. They are also required to successfully complete specializing training that includes;
-General Investigations Techniques
-Homicide Investigations
-Investigative Offences Against Children
-Investigative Interviewing Techniques
-Major Case Management
-Search Warrants
-Sexual Assault Investigations
Offices assigned to this unit must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to gather evidence, take witness statements, interview witnesses and suspects, write search warrants and manage case loads with little supervision.
Not every occurrence is considered a major case but still requires a thorough investigation. To that end our Criminal Investigators routinely assist our front-line officers with the investigation of major vehicle accidents, sexual related offences, domestic violence, assaults, robberies and drug offences.