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Recourse against the Laval Police Service for crime victims
Have you been a victim of a crime and are dissatisfied with the treatment provided by the Laval Police Service (SPL)? You have the right to file a complaint.
Who can file a complaint?
Under the Act to Assist Persons Who Are Victims of Criminal Offences and to Facilitate Their Recovery (LAPVIC), the following individuals are considered victims:
- The direct victim of the crime who feels wronged or dissatisfied with the treatment received from the Police Service.
- A parent or legal guardian of a child (14 years old or younger) who has been a victim of a crime or has died as a result of a crime.
- The child of a parent or legal guardian who has been a victim of a crime or has died as a result of a crime.
- The spouse of a person who has been a victim of a crime or has died as a result of a crime.
- A dependent of a person who has been a victim of a crime or has died as a result of a crime.
- A close relative of a person who has been a victim of a crime or has died as a result of a crime.
- A witness of a crime or the crime scene.
Types and categories of complaints
A complaint about the quality of service provided by the SPL staff must relate to actions, inactions, words, or behaviors observed during the handling of the victim’s case.
For better complaint processing, seven categories have been established based on victims’ rights.
Right to participation
The victim has the right to have their perspective and concerns considered regarding the criminal offense that caused them harm or loss.
For more details, please refer to the Service Declaration for Victims provided by your police service (PDF, 199 KB)
Right to consideration
The victim must be treated with compassion, courtesy, fairness, and understanding, while respecting their dignity.
Right to protection
Within available resources, the victim has the right to protection from intimidation and retaliation. Their safety must be considered by law enforcement in relation to the crime.
Right to privacy
The victim must be treated with respect for their privacy.
Right to information
The victim must be informed of their rights and the available recourse options.
Right to compensation and restitution of property
A victim has the right, in relation to the crime they suffered:
- To receive fair and prompt compensation for the harm suffered or financial assistance if applicable.
- To have their seized property returned as soon as it is no longer required for legal proceedings.
- For a court to consider issuing a restitution order against the offender, in accordance with Section 737.1 of the Criminal Code.
Right to support and assistance
A victim has the right to receive support and assistance, based on available resources and as provided by law.
How to file a complaint?
If you wish to file a complaint, you have several options.
- Download the complaint form (PDF, 3 MB) to your computer.
- Complete the form.
- Send it by email to: SPL.assistancevictime@laval.ca
You can file your complaint using one of the following methods:
- Print the online form (PDF, 3 MB), complete it, then:
- Drop it off at one of our service points.
- Mail it to the police headquarters.
- Visit one of our service points [internal link] to fill out the form on-site.
Your complaint will be directly forwarded to the administrative officer of the professional standards division, who will process it and transfer it to the responsible manager of the relevant section. This manager will follow up with you by email or phone, at their discretion.
The standard processing time for complaints is a maximum of 20 business days, except in cases of extraordinary circumstances beyond our control.
For more information
Contact us
Find out how to get in touch with the SPL. [Internal link]
