Commissioner Lewis statement on Williams investigation

OPP NEWS RELEASE

****************************** OPP Commissioner Lewis and Chief Cory McMullan congratulate Williams investigate team

ORILLIA - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Chris D. Lewis (shown) and Belleville Police Service Chief Cory McMullan are congratulating the investigators, their agencies and the Crown Attorneys that worked in partnership towards the apprehension and prosecution of Russell Williams.

This investigation, managed through the Ontario major case management system, resulted in the cooperation and seamless sharing of information between the Belleville Police Service, Ottawa Police Service, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service and the OPP. 

"Whether assigned to the investigative team, providing support services or part of the prosecution, those involved can take great pride in knowing that they have contributed greatly towards public and community safety," said Commissioner Lewis.

"The families and the many victims of the crimes have suffered greatly. While the outcome of the court proceedings will not change what they have suffered, it will hopefully provide them with some sense of comfort and allow the communities to start the healing process," stated Chief McMullan.

As with all major investigations, the OPP and the Belleville Police Service will be conducting a de-briefing and a review to identify the many aspects of this investigation that worked well and also what could be improved upon.

"We want the victims of all these horrific crimes, the families of the deceased victims, and the general public to know that every single facet of this investigation either has been, or will be reviewed. Any lessons learned, either the many things we did incredibly well or any things that, in hindsight, we might have done better will result in improvements to future investigations," added Commissioner Lewis and Chief McMullan.

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