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w w w .insideH A LT O N .com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, F ebruary 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 | 1 2 ffitu m p e te /v sS tv a tu l At Lasalle Park for Fam ily D ay! Police release internal review report Yesterday, Feb. 16, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) released results of an internal audit of its rate of unfounded 2016 sexual assault occurrences. It came in response to a Globe and Mail article examing the rates reported by police in Canada. "Our Service recognizes the severity of sexual assault crimes and investigates all reports thereof with the utmost respect for victims, and in accordance with provincial regulations and guidelines," stated HRPS Chief Stephen Tanner in a press statement. A total 57 unfounded sexual assault occurrences from 2016 were examined. Police determined all were properly and thoroughly investigated. Unfounded is a way for police to close an occurrence. It does not mean police do not believe a victim or person reporting. All reported incidents are fully investigated. Of the 57 incidents examined, Halton police said 15 (or 8.3 per cent) did not occur or could not have occurred as reported. In 42 other cases (74 per cent of all unfounded sexual assault occurrences) it was determined a criminal offence had not been committed. Police said in all criminal investigations there are facts that must be present and proven to meet Criminal Code requirements. In the 42 incidents, covered in the audit, the required elements to meet the definition of a sexual assault were not met and charges could not be laid. As a result of the review and in accord with a recent Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) recommendation, Halton police began an additional examination of existing internal policy and procedure. While found to be fully compliant with provincial mandates one revision has been made: effective immediately, all incidents reported as a sexual assault will be reviewed by Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit Detective Sergeant. "Our service is committed to the thoroughness of all criminal investigations and we pride ourselves in our victim-centred approach to supporting those impacted by crime," Tanner said. "We were honoured to have been recognized for our efforts in this area with the International Association of Chiefs of Police Award of Excellence in Victim Services in 2016." Besides in-house victim support, police work with and seek feedback from independent victim advocacy groups, including Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS). "SAVIS and HRPS work closely together to enhance working relationships by collaborating in training and providing support to victims of sexual assault and sexual violence from a Survivor Approach Model," said Alma Arguello, SAVIS executive director. Further, Halton police said Ontario's Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) conducts regular audits of all municipal police services on a rotational basis. MCSCS is about to embark on its next series of audits. Tanner and HRPS invite the ministry to audit all aspects of its policies and procedures relating to the conduct of sexual assault investigations in Halton. Meet the volunteers whop brought these birds back from the brink of extinction! I in w elcom ing them fro m 10:00am - 3:00pm W e B rin g P e o p le a n d N a tu re T o g e th e r Bird Seed & Suet 20 lb. Bags of Bird Seed and Suet Cakes Sale E n d s M a rc h 20, 2 0 1 7 Save Now Come an F A IR V IE W QAA#c( QJnfomited" Nature Shop e e Us! IN 7 DAYS4 b e lln e t .c a 3 3 5 0 S T R E E T , B U R L I N G T O N A I L : w b u 1 @ 9 0 5 - 6 3 4 - 7 7 0 0 · E M W E B R IN G P E O P L E & N A T U R E T O G E T H E R OAKVILLE UNITED TAXI 7 DAYS A W EEK FI kyB oot I fe e l it in m y fe e t! Airport & Out-of-Town Service AIRPO RT H U M $45 T: KyBoots will help you with.... · Richard Price P h a rm a c is t/O w n e r Back Pain · Improving circulation · Knee pain · Strengthening muscles Foot conditions · Improving posture Enjoy a FREE Kyboot walking test, at the Medicine Shoppe on Lakeshore Rd. East 267 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-1 A Trusted nam e in O akville for over 20 years! www.kybun.com 9 0 5 .8 4 2 .2 7 7 0