Citizens Independent Review of Police Activities
Organization profile published 1984

Year Published:  1984   First Published:  1984
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX2971

Abstract:  Founded in 1981, CITIZEN'S INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF POLICE ACTIVITIES (CIRPA) was established to "curb police abuse including improved treatment of minorities, establishment of affirmative action programs and reform of the Metro Toronto Police Force and the Metro Toronto Police Commission." CIRPA grew out of the Working Group on Police Minority Relations which had been established in response to several incidents in the Toronto area. Its mandate covers Sourthern Ontario, but most if tis activities are focussed on Metro Toronto. The group would like to see an independent civilian review of police complaints.
Its main areas of concern are"police abuse; policicing policy,e.g., conduct of police in Ontario Housing Projects; treatment of minorities; hiring policies; repeat misconduct offenders on the police force; police budget; "pro-active" policing; and reforms to the office of the Public complaints Commission, including no police involvement in investigation of complaints, civil onus of proof rather thatn use of the "beyond a reasonable doubt" criterion.
CIRPA provides a 24-hour complaints line. It records and reviews complaints, periodically publishes statistics on issues, prepares briefs, goes to the Police Commission and makes contact with the media. Outreach activities unclude counselling centrew, public education and providing information to the public, community groups and individuals.
CIRPA has achieved a number of legal victories. It is often approached by the media and community groups as the "official alternative view to Metro Toronto Police activities."
CIRPA occasionally publishes a tabliod CIRPA Review and has published a wallet sized card, Talking With the Police, which outlines an individual's rights. This is available in five languages. CIRPA will continue lobbying for an improvement of the Office of the Public Complaints Commission and for better policing and more community control of the police.

Subject Headings

• Police
• Police Misconduct
• Police Oversight