The Police Act provides that any admissible complaint must be submitted to conciliation, unless the Commissioner decides to conduct an investigation in the public interest, for example, when there is:

• a death;
• serious injuries;
• a criminal offence;
• a case of recidivism;
• a situation that could seriously undermine public confidence in the police.

A conciliation session allows the parties to express their points of view frankly and freely. The success of conciliation lies in the active participation of both the complainant and the person complained about. In a context of collaboration and good faith, the two parties attempt, with the support of the conciliator, to reach an agreement that could resolve the dispute to their satisfaction.