Second post of three on projects at Windsor Law fighting racial discrimination
On February 5, 2009, Windsor Law, Canada’s first access to justice law school launched LEAP. The project is a student-led research initiative designed to provide, upon request, confidential research, policy recommendations and advice to government, public interest organizations, human rights and police agencies, Universities, and community groups across Canada on issues surrounding civilian oversight, enhancement of police accountability and trust, and anti-racial profiling measures. LEAP will develop and assess anti-racial profiling policies, training materials, and guidelines, organize conferences and other fora, and appear before Police Services Board(s) to recommend initiatives and programs.
In addition to research and policy development, LEAP will serve to enhance public education and awareness, particularly in Windsor and Essex County, about issues surrounding Ontario’s new police complaints system. During the public hearings into the Independent Police Review Act, 2007, a number of groups talked about the importance of community-based complaints intake, support and education. The importance of public education is clear from subsection 58(4) of the Police Services Act which now states:
The Independent Police Review Director shall provide publicly accessible information about the public complaints system under this Part and shall arrange for the provision of assistance to members of the public in making a complaint.
LEAP will also assist eligible individuals/community groups initiate the Independent Police Review Director’s jurisdiction to investigate systemic issues under section 57 of the Police Services Act. It will provide support for any regional or other advisory committee established for Essex County in accordance with subsection 135(24.1) of the Act. These committees will consist of representatives from community groups, police community, and any other persons appointed for the purpose of advising the Independent Police Review director on matters relating to his or her duties under subsection 58(4) (i.e. public education and assistance).
Public education and community coordination by LEAP will largely be accomplished with a website and community outreach program. The website can be found at www.uwindsor.ca/LEAP. LEAP will also operate a Blog available at http://windsorlaw-leap.blogspot.com/. The purpose of the Blog is to highlight the issues of the day, to provide context and commentary and to provide a space for thoughtful and meaningful discussion. Anyone interested can subscribe by e-mail or RSS feed and receive updates.
The Blog and website are also intended to provide a research database for lawyers, academics, activists, community members, and systemic powers involved in issues of racial profiling. It will also provide information about police accountability including how to file a complaint. The purpose of the outreach program is to engage community organizations and community members in the services provided by LEAP. Although it is not a legal clinic and will not be giving legal advice or representation, LEAP will assist in finding representation for those individuals seeking redress. The website will also provide access to a nation-wide legal directory listing of lawyers who practice in areas of police complaints and racial profiling, under criminal defense, human rights litigation, and civil actions.
LEAP is the first law school project of its kind in Canada. Given Windsor Law’s commitment to access to justice and the new police complaints process in Ontario, this is an appropriate time for the creation of LEAP. It will operate under the academic direction of Professor David M. Tanovich, a student director, student research assistants and volunteers. As a student-led initiative, LEAP will provide an opportunity for Windsor law students to engage in experiential learning about issues surrounding oversight and racial profiling. It will also provide them with an opportunity to explore and develop concrete measures in moving forward in a co-operative and constructive fashion. LEAP’s first project is to conduct a review of the anti-racial profiling training materials and directive of an Ontario Police Service pursuant to a Settlement Agreement with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
The creation of LEAP is made possible by a grant from the Law Foundation of Ontario. To contact LEAP or further information, please send an e-mail to leap@uwindsor.ca.
