News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Woman’s Broken Knee in Brantford Arrest
Case Number: 25-OCI-133
The Special Investigations Unit found no reasonable grounds to believe a Brantford Police Service officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured knee suffered by a 54-year-old woman. On the night of February 19, 2025, the woman was arrested for causing a disturbance in a residence in the area of West Street and Henry Street.
An officer forcibly took her down to the floor when the woman did not willingly give up her hands to be handcuffed. The woman broke her right knee on impact with the floor.
Director Joseph Martino found a takedown made sense as it would position the officers to better manage her resistance while effecting their purpose.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (municipal, regional and provincial police officers, police officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, 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
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES