Group claims that inquiry finds racism in policing

Report by: John Elston/Bob Komsic, CFRB News

An organization dedicated to addressing systemic racism claims results of a study it presented to the Ipperwash Inquiry are "a stark illustration of systemic racism in policing and the criminal justice system."   That from Gerry McNeilly of the African Canadian Legal Clinic.   The study says that black people in Ontario are ten times more likely to be shot by police than whites.  Aboriginals are 4 times as likely.   McNeilly says aboriginals and African-Canadians are grossly over-represented in the SIU investigations of police use of force and shootings.  

The study, entitled Police Use of Force in Ontario, was commissioned by the ACLC, specifically for submission to the inquiry that probed the 1995 police shooting death of native protester Dudley George, during an occupation of Ipperwash Provincial Park.

The study also noted that in use-of-force incidents, black civilians were more likely to be armed than civilians of other racial backgrounds.

The president of the Toronto Police Association questions the motive of the study and calls the report 'junk science'.

Passerby at Yonge and Bloor were not totally surprised by the findings.   Some were concerned.   Like the young black woman who told CFRB News, "they've (police) already stereotyped me without knowing who I am.  It makes me feel small, not part of society".

Several others, both black and white, question the report saying, "numbers can tell you what you want them to tell you".

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