The study found the most common charge laid by the SIU is assault, followed by sexual assault and driving-related offences. The exception is sexual assault cases, where these officers had more years on the job and nearly a third held the rank of sergeant or higher. Since 2005, the SIU has rarely laid charges for deadly or near-deadly police interactions, according to the research. While the majority of criminal charges in Canada are resolved through a guilty plea, 16 per cent of officers pleaded guilty, the paper states. In assault cases, officers are given a discharge in nearly half of all sentences.

Source: thestar March 16, 2021 09:56 UTC