Demands on police services are as varied as the communities they serve. Expectations are high. Policing functions increasingly give rise to scrutiny by civil courts, Human Rights Tribunals and public oversight bodies, including coroner’s inquests.
It’s crucial to have the advice and advocacy of an experienced, knowledgeable legal team who have a thorough understanding of the complex, ever-changing issues faced by police services.
We pride ourselves on cultivating excellent working relationships with the police services we defend. We have been involved in many leading decisions and high-profile matters.
We defend a variety of claims, including:
- shootings
- police pursuits
- arrests, including false arrests
- use of force
- dealings with confidential informants
- malicious prosecution
- negligent investigation
- racial profiling
- joint forces investigations
- damages claimed under the Charter of Rights
- tasers
- custodial deaths and assaults
- coroner’s inquests
- dealings with police agents and informers
- internal police investigations and discipline
- lost or damaged property
- failure to warn about or apprehend criminals
- motor vehicle liability claims
- failure to enforce certain laws
- abuse of public office
- the adequacy of or improper conduct by court security officers
- mounted, canine and other specialized units
- covert police operations
- emergency response units
A number of our lawyers have attended police training sessions to develop a first-hand understanding of what police officers are taught and what they experience in the field. We collaborate with senior command officers and in-house legal advisors on approaches in the defence of police claims. We also assist in developing risk management and training policies.
