Police chief responds to criticism of internal review of sex assault cases

The head of the city's police department is responding to criticism of the London Police Service's review of unfounded sexual assault cases.

Chief John Pare told CBC'sLondon Morningthat an internal review of 690 sexual assault allegations found to be without merit when theywere initially investigated between 2010 to 2014 were handled correctly.

• Internal police review finds no problems with sex assault cases deemed 'unfounded': Chief

A Globe and Mail investigation found thatLondon police classified 30 per cent of sexual assault allegations between 2010 and 2014 as "unfounded"meaning that officers believedno crime was attempted or occurred.

"At this point the investigations have been reviewed. We've gone back and made sure nothing was missed," Pare said during the interview. "Nothing so far has been uncovered as an issue."

LesleyBikos, a former London police officer, called his comments "tone-deaf" and "disingenuous."

And she wasn't the only one who spoke out following Pare's comments.

Wayne Hissong, aformer police officerwith 20 years of international experience, told CBC News thatthe police chief neededto take unfounded sex assaults 'more seriously.'

'Clarify' purpose of the review

Chief Pare issued a statement Thursday afternoon to "clarify" the purpose of the review.

"This review was not intended to "reinvestigate" each individual case that had been classified as unfounded," thestatement read."But rather to complete an analysis of how the investigations were conducted, the outcomes of the investigations and how those incidents had been classified and cleared."

Pare said the review did not entail "reinvestigating" cases but said police would reopen the investigation into a case if the review uncovered"additional evidence or further investigative avenues."

"Nothing so far has been uncovered to cause us to reopen an investigation," said Pare inthe statement.

Additional training

Pare said that members of the London police have attended training with community partners.

Pare said he supports a version of a case review model that grants community groups access to sexual assault investigations.

A London police leadership group has been created with Anova, anewly formed sexual assault organization in London.

"London Police service has been very open to wanting to support survivors of sexual violence throughout the Criminal Justice System," said Jane McGregor, Director of Community Programs of Anova,in the statement issued to media by the police.

"More work is definitely needed and Anova is hopeful that using a community case review process will lead to necessary structural changes," the statementread. "Anova looks forward to continuing to work with the London Police Service to implement changes that support survivors."

Pare said no further comments will be made as it's an "active review and ongoing process."