Peel Police Service Board Releases Human Rights Governance Review Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRAMPTON, ON – The Peel Police Service Board has publicly released a comprehensive independent review examining the Board’s governance policies through a human rights and accountability lens, reinforcing the Board’s continued commitment to modern, transparent, and community-focused policing governance.

The report, prepared by Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah following an 18-month review of Board policies and governance practices, contains a series of recommendations intended to further strengthen oversight, accountability, transparency, and alignment with evolving human rights principles under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act.

Importantly, the report recognizes that many recommendations have already been received, implemented, or are currently in progress as part of the Board’s ongoing modernization efforts. Other recommendations remain under active consideration and are being carefully evaluated through legal, operational, and governance review processes.

“This report reflects the Peel Police Service Board’s continued commitment to ensuring our governance framework evolves alongside the expectations of the communities we serve,” said Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Peel Police Service Board. “Policing governance must continue to adapt to emerging human rights standards, public expectations, and legislative change. This work demonstrates our commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.”

The review examined all of the Board policies, including those related to strategic planning, anti-racism and ethnocultural equity, audits, procurement, use of force, body-worn cameras, community engagement, critical points governance, and public reporting.

The report acknowledges several initiatives already undertaken by the Board, including the establishment of the Governance and Human Rights Committee and the Board’s Critical Points policy framework, while also identifying opportunities to further strengthen governance practices and human rights oversight.

“The recommendations in this report are intended to strengthen the Board’s role as an active human rights governor,” said Sumeeta Kohli, Chair of the Board’s Governance and Human Rights Committee. “This is not a static exercise. It is part of an ongoing process to ensure that governance, transparency, accountability, and human rights considerations remain embedded in how policing oversight is exercised in Peel Region.”

The Board notes that many recommendations identified as “Received” are already implemented or currently being operationalized through ongoing policy updates, reporting enhancements, governance reviews, training initiatives, and modernization efforts. Recommendations identified as “Under Consideration” will continue to undergo detailed review to ensure alignment with the Community Safety and Policing Act, operational realities, legal obligations, and responsible governance practices.

The Board will continue working collaboratively with Peel Regional Police, community partners, subject matter experts, and oversight bodies to advance governance practices that strengthen public trust and confidence.

The full report is available on the Peel Police Service Board website.

-30-