Statement by the Peel Police Services Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRAMPTON - The Peel Police Services Board is saddened by the events of recent weeks, in which two, separate mental health-related calls into Peel Regional Police resulted in the deaths of two Peel residents. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of D’Andre Campbell and Ejaz Choudry for their loss. 

While united in grief, we also know that the community is angry and frustrated. Everyone rightfully wants answers – and so do we.

As deaths that involve police interactions, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), has invoked its mandate to investigate the circumstances surrounding both of these tragic events. The SIU is the civilian oversight agency responsible for investigating circumstances involving police that have resulted in a death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault of a civilian in Ontario. As such, the Board is unable to comment on the ongoing SIU investigations and information pertaining to the circumstances surrounding the deaths remains limited.

That said, the Board and Peel Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah, have requested that the SIU work as expeditiously as possible to conclude these investigations so that the public can be informed of their full findings. Where possible, the Board is also requesting that the SIU provide updates to the public on the status of the investigations. 

Over the next few months, the grave impacts of these tragic events will undoubtedly inform the Board’s work on key issues, such as community engagement, strategic planning and the 2021 Budget. In collaboration with Chief Duraiappah and the Region of Peel, the Board is also engaged in a new Community Safety and Well-Being Plan that will ensure mental health calls, public health and safety, and community relations are considered in a more holistic way when it comes to community policing.

As this work unfolds, the Board remains committed to putting the safety and security of every member of our Peel community first. These deaths are a tragic reminder that there is much work to be done.

Ron Chatha

Chair

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For more information:

Rob Serpe
Executive Director
Peel Police Services Board
905-458-1340
robert.serpe@peelpoliceboard.ca