News Release

Peel Officer Charged

Case Number: 12-OCI-102   

Mississauga (8 June, 2012) --- The Director of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Ian Scott, has reasonable grounds to believe that an officer with Peel Regional Police (PRP) committed a criminal offence in relation to injuries sustained by 39-year-old Jamie Payne.  Director Scott has caused a charge to be laid against the officer.     

On April 14, 2012, Mr. Payne was arrested, taken to the police station and then to Trillium Health Centre to be examined for an injury that occurred prior to contact with police.  While leaving the hospital to return to the police station, there was an interaction between Mr. Payne and an officer.  Mr. Payne complained that he had sustained an injury, but was taken to the police station and placed in a cell.  After further complaint, he was eventually transported to the William Osler Health Centre and diagnosed with a serious injury to his face. 

As a result of the SIU investigation, PRP Constable Matt Lee is facing one charge of Assault Causing Bodily Harm, contrary to s. 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.   

The officer is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton on June 18, 2012.  The Justice Prosecutions branch of the Ministry of the Attorney General will have carriage of the prosecution. 

As this matter is now before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the charged officer and the community, the SIU will make no further comment pertaining to this investigation.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must

  • consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
  • depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
  • publicly report the results of its investigations