OPP respond to First Nations concerns surrounding death of Stacy DeBungee

OPP have responded to comments made at a news conference at the end of May by First Nations leaders, involving the investigation of the death of Stacy DeBungee, as well as concerns about policing in Thunder Bay, Ont.

OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkessaid in a statement that hewants to "clarify the role and responsibilities of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) with regard to investigations outside of its jurisdiction and to address inferencesmade at a news conference in Toronto."

Chiefs from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Grand Council Treaty #3 and Rainy River First Nations asked for the RCMP to investigate the deaths of two teenagers, Josiah Begg and Tammy Keeash. They pointed out there was a "flawed" investigation in the death of Stacey DeBungee, a member of Rainy River First Nations.

First Nations leaders wanted the OPP to take over the investigation of DeBungee's death as of last fall.

Hawkessaid the OPP would only provide investigative services to another police force, "at the request of that police service leader."

Hawkes also stated that, "If the OPP undertakes an investigation at the request of another police leader or on behalf of a third-party agency such as the Office of the Independent Police Review Directorate (OIPRD), the final report, is provided to the requesting agency."

"It would be up to that agency or its leadership to determine whether to make public the results of the report."

Second Request

Hawkes said theOPP recently completed a review of the investigation relating to the death of Stacy DeBungee, which was referred to the OPP from the Chief of Thunder Bay Police. That report is now in the hands of Thunder Bay Police.

OPP originally told Thunder Bay Police in the fall that they could not reviewthe investigation of DeBungeewhilean OIPRD investigation was underway, followinga request fromThunder Bay Police Chief J.P. Levesque.

OPP told CBC News a second request was made byThunder Bay Policeto conduct a review of the investigation into the death of DeBungee late in 2016. OPP then contacted the OIPRDto determine if they could indeed review the caseduring the directorate'sinvestigation. The OIPRDsaid the review would not impact its work and the OPP undertook the review.

The OIPRDis still conducting a "systemic review of the Thunder Bay Police Service's practices for policing Indigenous peoples."

The goal of that review is to determine if systemic failings have occurred, and to make recommendations to address those failings, and to help restore and enhance public confidence in police and policing.