The OPP Sexual Assault Data Classification and Investigative Review resulted in 12 sexual assault files being reopened for investigation.
The seven-month review was launched in February in response to a Globe and Mail investigation that was critical of the way investigators treat sexual assault allegations.
The OPP examined sexual assault cases closed by police as unfounded between the years of 2010 and 2016. The review included a directive to reopen any sexual assault report that was found not to be properly investigated.
Of the 5,322 unfounded cases reviewed, 3,463 (65 per cent) were cleared correctly, 1,859 (34.9 per cent) could potentially have been cleared using another classification and 12 (0.2 per cent) were reopened for investigation.
"This review highlights that Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) coding issues and clearance options, rather than investigative errors, are potentially responsible for up to 32.4 per cent (1,236) of the unfounded cases," the report stated.
"An important conclusion made by the review is that the unfounded classification did not mean a complainant was not believed by police. Within the unfounded cases were several occurrences where individuals were able to clarify mistaken or inaccurate reporting by third parties, or they declined to come forward," the report said.
"Incorrect classification coding, rather than investigative errors, also contributed to unfounded reporting during this period. While the OPP was found in the majority of instances to receive, classify, investigate and process allegations of sexual assault appropriately, the review was ultimately an opportunity to assess and improve upon past practices."
In the wake of the review, the force announced a new Victim Response Support Strategy.
Improvements include enhanced training in 'trauma-informed approaches' and more resources for officers, victim response and support liasons, and more oversight in the establishment of regional collaborative review committees in each of the OPP regions.
Committee membership will include representatives from the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Sexual Violence Advisory Group, victim services, child protection services and victim advocate and support groups.
Training will be reviewed annually with a focus on 'emerging neurobiological, trauma-informed practices directly related to myth and stigma reduction.'
There will also be a provincial stakeholder governance committee made up of representatives from provincial victim services, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the OPP, and provide oversight of the OPP’s investigative and field activities relevant to sexual assault reporting.
The Victim Response and Support Liaisons are being designated within each OPP Detachment Crime Unit. These members will serve as liaisons for all personal violence investigations, including sexual assault, and act as a resource to provide guidance and consultation about current and evidence-based practices.
"It is one thing to say the OPP is committed to continuous improvement to earn and maintain the confidence and trust of the public, and another to act upon that commitment. This strategy is about the OPP’s actions to improve the response to and support for sexual assault victims," said OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.
"The Ontario Provincial Police Victim Response Support Strategy outlines the actions the OPP is taking to ensure victims of sexual assault are able to report their experiences with confidence that they will receive the support and services they need."
The OPP also received $150,000 in provincial funding to designate a sexual assault safe centre in partnership with the Simcoe/Muskoka sexual assault community response.
The centre will have a multi-disciplinary team comprised of professionals from medical, police and community services to better support victims. Victim advocates will accompany victims to examinations and interviews in a secure, private and comfortable location.
The OPP report can be found here.
South Simcoe Police reviewed 124 sexual assault files from 2010 to 2016.
Two cases were re--opened for investigation.
The service said the administrative portion of the audit identified that only 34 of the occurrences were cleared in accordance with Stats Canada definitions.
South Simcoe Police Service will be resubmitting these occurrences to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics with new clearance codes reflecting updated guidelines announced in February.
Results of the Barrie Police sex assault audit will be made available upon completion, according to media officer Const. Sarah Bamford.
