The Peel Police Service Board has released a groundbreaking report on human rights and policing, outlining 91 actionable recommendations aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and equity in law enforcement governance.
Prepared by human rights and policing experts Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, Dr. Alex Luscombe, and Curtis Maurach, the comprehensive report critically evaluates the Board’s governance practices and highlights areas for improvement. The findings underscore the Board’s commitment to fostering trust and respect between law enforcement and Peel Region’s diverse communities.
“This report marks a pivotal step forward in our efforts to ensure that human rights are central to all aspects of our governance and policing practices,” said Sumeeta Kohli, Chair of the Board’s Governance and Human Rights (GHR) Committee. “We have already begun implementing changes inspired by its recommendations, and we remain committed to continuing this important work in partnership with our community.”
Key Highlights of the Report:
- Strategic Planning: Developing long-term frameworks to embed human rights into police governance and oversight.
- Enhanced Training: Expanding human rights and equity training for police officers and governance officials.
- Data Transparency: Improving the collection, analysis, and public sharing of data to address systemic challenges.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with community members to ensure policing reflects the values and aspirations of the public.
“Policing must reflect the values and aspirations of the people it serves,” said Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Peel Police Service Board. “This report provides us with a clear roadmap to strengthen public trust and ensure our policies and practices uphold the highest standards of human rights.”
Dr. Owusu-Bempah commended the Board for its leadership, stating, “This report is a critical tool for enacting meaningful change and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.”
The report’s actionable insights have already begun shaping policy updates and operational improvements within the Peel Police Service Board. The Board remains committed to implementing the recommendations to drive substantive and measurable change in policing practices.
The full report is available on the Peel Police Service Board’s website, and community members are encouraged to review the findings and participate in ongoing efforts to advance human rights in policing.
To foster continued collaboration, the Board invites residents to engage in discussions and initiatives aimed at building a more equitable and accountable policing system in Peel Region.