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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Ontario's Police Watchdog Prepares for Leadership Change
The province’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), is set for a change in leadership as the term of its current director, Joseph Martino, comes to an end. Martino’s tenure is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026. The SIU has announced that the job posting for his replacement closes on Friday.
Role of the Special Investigations Unit
The SIU is a civilian agency tasked with investigating interactions involving police that have resulted in death, serious injury, the discharge of a firearm at a person, or allegations of sexual assault. Its core function is to provide independent oversight and accountability in law enforcement investigations involving police officers in Ontario.
Leadership Duties of the SIU Director
According to the job posting, the SIU director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of investigations conducted by the agency. The director holds the exclusive authority to determine whether criminal charges should be laid against police officers following the results of these investigations.
Criminal Charges and SIU Investigations Under Martino
During the most recent reporting period, outlined in the agency’s 2024-25 annual report, the SIU’s director laid criminal charges in 17 cases involving a total of 18 police officers. This figure accounts for fewer than five per cent of all the cases investigated by the agency in that timeframe. These statistics highlight the selective nature of criminal charges resulting from SIU investigations, which are carried out in complex circumstances requiring careful review of police conduct.
Joseph Martino’s Tenure and the Search for a Successor
Joseph Martino has served as the SIU director since 2019, guiding the agency through several years of police oversight and accountability efforts. With Martino set to depart at the end of December, the search for a new SIU director marks a significant moment for Ontario’s police watchdog as it continues its mandate of ensuring police accountability within the province.
Next Steps for the Ontario Police Watchdog
The application period for the next SIU director concludes this Friday. The leadership transition will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of police oversight and investigative practices within Ontario in the coming years.
Source: cbc.ca.
