Serving a Summons to Officers

Staff from the Charge Preparation Unit accept paperwork on behalf of the London Police Service Officers. Serving the Officers personally is not permitted. It is requested that the below information be included in the summons package:

• A Cover Letter on letter head that outlines
  • Who the summons is for
  • When the officer is to attend court
• A Summons that outlines
  • Who the summons is for
  • When the officer is to attend court
    • Date and time
  • The names of the parties involved
  • Any information that could be beneficial to the preparation of the Officer as a witness
• Conduct fee cheque made out to the London Police Service
  • For a fee schedule, please see Tariff A: Lawyers’ Fees and Disbursements Allowable from the Justice Act of Ontario.

At the time of service, the Charge Preparation Unit will check the Officer’s current availability and inform whether they are able to attend court. If the trial takes place over a period of time, Charge Preparation will outline the Officer’s availability within the time period. Please be advised that the availability of the Officer is subject to change and although there are few instances where Officers cannot attend court, it is the responsibility of the agency/individual requesting service to make the necessary changes to accommodate the Officer’s schedule. Charge Preparation cannot alter the Officer’s schedule to accommodate court dates.

After Charge Preparation have accepted service, conduct fee cheques will not be deposited unless the Officer has attended court, even if they have not given evidence. In the event that the Officer is not needed to attend, it is the responsibility of the requesting agency/individual to advise whether they wish for Charge Preparation to destroy the cheque or return it via mail. Should no communication be made, the cheque will be destroyed.

Request for Police Records

It is the responsibility of the requesting agency/individual to request copies of police records through the proper channels prior to the court date. Officers will not bring copies of any records to court upon summons/subpoena request. If you have any questions about the proper procedure of document requests, please contact Legal Services at 519-452-5385.

Any summons or subpoena containing obligations to provide police records must be pre-screened by Legal Services and must contain required terms and conditions.  Failure to include such terms and conditions will require the London Police Service to seek an order quashing or amending the summons.