(Wingham, North Huron) — There are three active SIU investigations involving the Huron OPP detachment in Clinton. This is highly unusual, as there are zero in the surrounding detachments. Stats and reports indicate the only difference is that citizens in Huron County are standing their ground and refusing to tolerate abuse from police.
Sources within the OPP state that their superiors fear the public has lost its fear of police, and that cell phones and body cameras are forcing accountability. They claim officers are panicking and responding emotionally and erratically.
An extended, well-documented investigation has revealed that Huron OPP officers have been removing cameras from citizens, and confronting those who film police interactions, including individuals recording their own arrests. North Huron council is accused of avoiding public accountability by holding virtual meetings, keeping the public at arm’s length. Councillor Chris Palmer stated during a council meeting that “freedom of the press is dangerous.” A politician publicly opposing a Charter-protected right raises serious concerns.
On April 11, 2026, a rights activist—who had recently pushed back against the harassment and arrest of individuals legally recording council meetings—attended a public court proceeding as a member of the gallery. When the Justice of the Peace appeared to recognize the activist, proceedings were paused and the activist was questioned about recording. The activist denied recording and voluntarily left, stating, “If I’m not welcome here, I’ll leave.”
Witnesses report that once the activist left, the Justice of the Peace demanded identification from journalists present, followed by members of the public gallery, in order to continue proceedings.
Guaranteed Arrests:
Victims and witnesses in the February 17 incident involving North Huron Deputy Reeve Kevin Falconer are demanding action. One individual stated:
“Either arrest Falconer for the assault, or arrest me for making a false report. Either way, this needs to be put before a judge.”
Huron OPP have also been accused of refusing to take a witness statement, with claims that an officer threatened to bring the individual to a “private back room in Clinton.”
The OPP have responded by restricting access to press releases, which critics argue endangers the public by limiting information. This “weaponization” of public information is being described as unprofessional and inappropriate. Most police services in Ontario provide open access to press releases, recognizing that the public are the intended recipients.
Emails to Be Released:
Activists state they will release OPP media contact email addresses if full public access to press releases is not restored. One activist said:
“We are tired of mainstream media filtering police press releases and withholding information from our community. We have the right to know who is being arrested and why.”
If full access is not restored on https://oppnews.ca/ by 8:00 a.m. Monday, activists say the public will be encouraged to directly contact OPP media relations officers for updates.