Regulation - LGIC
Use of Force Regulation under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019
Summary of Proposal:
In March 2019, the government passed the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (CSPA), as part of the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, 2019. Once in force, the CSPA will replace the current Police Services Act (PSA). The CSPA is an opportunity to modernize policing and enhance community safety in Ontario.
The use of force by police officers in Ontario is subject to various legislative and regulatory instruments, including the Criminal Code and R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 926: Equipment and Use of Force, under the PSA.
The Equipment and Use of Force Regulation sets out requirements in relation to technical specifications for handguns and ammunition, the use of firearms and other weapons, firearm discharge investigations, training, and reporting. The Regulation is being replicated with modifications to align with the statutory and regulatory framework under the CSPA.
The new regulation under the CSPA will include the following modifications:
1. Use of force and firearm training requirements will be moved into a Minister's training regulation.
2. Existing requirements regarding the submission of reports (e.g., firearm discharge investigation reports, annual use of force reports) to the Solicitor General will be moved into a Minister's regulation regarding information sharing.
3. Authorization for police services to use types of weapons other than firearms will be established under the regulation, rather than through separate Ministerial approvals and standards (see the attached "Summary of Weapon Approvals, Specifications and Standards for Use").
4. Provisions relating to motor vehicles and acoustic hailing devices will be moved to a Lieutenant Governor in Council general regulation.
5. Provisions regarding the disposal of revolvers will be removed, as revolvers have been prohibited since 1994.
SOLGEN welcomes your comments and feedback.
The use of force by police officers in Ontario is subject to various legislative and regulatory instruments, including the Criminal Code and R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 926: Equipment and Use of Force, under the PSA.
The Equipment and Use of Force Regulation sets out requirements in relation to technical specifications for handguns and ammunition, the use of firearms and other weapons, firearm discharge investigations, training, and reporting. The Regulation is being replicated with modifications to align with the statutory and regulatory framework under the CSPA.
The new regulation under the CSPA will include the following modifications:
1. Use of force and firearm training requirements will be moved into a Minister's training regulation.
2. Existing requirements regarding the submission of reports (e.g., firearm discharge investigation reports, annual use of force reports) to the Solicitor General will be moved into a Minister's regulation regarding information sharing.
3. Authorization for police services to use types of weapons other than firearms will be established under the regulation, rather than through separate Ministerial approvals and standards (see the attached "Summary of Weapon Approvals, Specifications and Standards for Use").
4. Provisions relating to motor vehicles and acoustic hailing devices will be moved to a Lieutenant Governor in Council general regulation.
5. Provisions regarding the disposal of revolvers will be removed, as revolvers have been prohibited since 1994.
SOLGEN welcomes your comments and feedback.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
SOLGEN may be consulting with stakeholders to identify potential costs associated with the given regulation coming into force.
Further Information:
Summary of Weapon Approvals Specs and Use Standards
Proposal Number:
23-SOLGEN023
Posting Date:
August 15, 2023
Comments Due Date:
September 29, 2023
Contact Address:
Ministry of the Solicitor General
Strategic Policy Division
25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, ON M7A 1Y6
Strategic Policy Division
25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, ON M7A 1Y6