Sarnia

Gillis Calls For Review Of 'Unfounded' Sexual Assault Cases

Sarnia Councillor Anne-Marie Gillis wants new eyes to review the Sarnia Police Service's "unfounded" sexual assault cases between 2010 and 2014.

Gillis says that's what she was asking for when she made an initial request in February and the police chief indicated he was already reviewing the files personally.

A nationwide Globe and Mail investigation found that 22% of sexual assault allegations reported to Sarnia police during the years in question were categorized as "unfounded."

The national rate was found to be 19%.

"Given the fact that Sarnia is well above the national average, I believe that we need more than just an internal police review and it has been indicated that internal reviews can characterize the problem as being a data mismanagement problem," says Gillis. "A fresh eye review gives the opportunity to look at the transparency and the accountability and what we're looking for is an opening to a sustainable change within the system."

The Globe and Mail reported the number of cases dismissed as unfounded by Lambton County OPP was 28%.

The Ontario Provincial Police and RCMP have both promised to conduct reviews.

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