Local News - AM 1220 

December 10, 2008 — It seems some potential witnesses or possible child sex abuse victims were not approached by the police during the Project Truth investigation. Former O.P.P. Detective Inspector Pat Hall says he did not want officers knocking on doors and soliciting complaints in 2000. He says police had been working on the case since 1997 so people had a few years to consider whether to come forward. Hall says if someone had an allegation they could call them. (Hear audio clip below) The O.P.P charged 15 local men with over 100 charges during the investigation but there was only one connection. Testimony wrapped up early due to the weather. Hearings continue this morning at 9:30.  

[Transcript of audio clip:  “we had contacted some people and they were very upset at a police officer knocking on the door, even though they had nothing -- the neighbours, everybody suspect if the police is here there’s something unusual going on. So we made a decision that we weren’t going to go out and start soliciting complaints, so to speak…”]

O.P.P. Witness Blasts Inquiry Conduct

Local News - AM 1220

December 08, 2008 — A former O.P.P. officer says there should be an inquiry into the conduct of the Cornwall Public Inquiry. Retired Detective Inspector Pat Hall says it is "a sad day when politics call for an inquiry and politics shuts it down". He had harsh criticism and called the inquiry nothing more than a "fault finding mission". (Hear audio clip below) Lead Commission Counsel Peter Engelmann says Hall is entitled to his opinion. Engelmann adds it is not uncommon for labour lawyers to be part of inquiries. Hearings continue Tuesday at 9:30.

 [Transcript of audio clip: “During the past week, I have been continually asked why various investigations took so long.  

Mr. Commissioner, why is this Inquiry taking so long? Is it possible your mandate was too broad and you didn't stay within it? I believe you were told so by a court.

 “Why did you choose a labour lawyer as your lead counsel when all the matters surrounding this Inquiry are criminal in nature? It's nothing personal, Mr. Engelmann.”]