The Ontario Provincial Police have released a statement in the wake of the detainment of a reporter at the scene of a fatal collision in Guelph.
In the statement, the OPP confirms it is aware of an interaction between one of its officers and a member of the media in Guelph on Tuesday.
According to GuelphToday.com, one of its senior reporters was detained and had his photography equipment confiscated at the scene of a fatal collision on the Hanlon Expressway. Their online article says the arresting officers kept an SD card belonging to the reporter.
The statement from the OPP:
"The OPP is aware of an incident involving a member of the media who attended the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian near Guelph earlier today. The OPP is reviewing the circumstances of the interaction between the member of the media and one of the OPP investigators.
Our role, under the direction of the Coroner, is to conduct a complete and thorough death investigation, while ensuring its integrity. Questions relating to the Coroners Act should be directed to the Office of the Chief Coroner.
The OPP respects the freedom of the press and values its relationships with the media, while also taking a victim-centered approach during our investigations."
