The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into a complaint that an officer assaulted a man in custody at Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) headquarters.
On March 11, 2026, WPS notified the IIU of an incident that occurred on January 1, at approximately 3am. Officers arrested a man on December 31, 2025, for a court order violation and lodged him at WPS headquarters. There was an interaction between the man and a police officer, in which he alleged he was assaulted.
The affected person reported the incident to the WPS Professional Standards Unit on Jan. 28. The investigation was held in abeyance pending the affected person’s decision on whether to proceed.
As this matter concerned an assault allegation and injuries sustained while in police custody, the IIU civilian director determined it was in the public interest for the IIU to assume the investigation under Sec. 75 of the Police Services Act.
IIU investigators were assigned to this investigation. The civilian director designated one subject officer and five witness officers. IIU investigators also spoke with the affected person.
As the civilian director acknowledged a potential conflict, the matter was reviewed by a senior prosecutor at Manitoba Prosecution Service. Upon review of the entire investigative file, the prosecutor confirmed that the IIU investigation was complete; however, the charging standard could not be met because there was no likelihood of conviction.
As a result, no charges are recommended and the IIU investigation is now closed.
