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‘Sharpening Your Teeth’ Training Workshop
10th World Conference
International Ombudsman Institute
Wellington, New Zealand
November 8-9, 2012
DAY ONE
08.15 Pick up from hotels
08.30 Registration
9:00-9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
Sue Haslam, Director, Investigations
9:30-10:30 a.m. Systemic Investigations
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
An introduction to the Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT). What is a systemic investigation? Identifying systemic cases and conducting effective and efficient investigations.
10:30-10:45 a.m. BREAK
10:45-Noon CASE STUDY: TORONTO G20 INVESTIGATION
Using Social Media as an Investigative Tool
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
The world’s eyes were on Toronto in June 2010 when the G20 summit erupted into controversy over massive arrests and violations of civil liberties. The Ombudsman’s investigation into the Ontario government’s quiet decision to expand police powers for the summit (under a little-known 1939 law) involved complex issues. It was also the first systemic investigation to employ social media to gather evidence as well as to reach the public. This presentation will review the issues and findings of the investigation that resulted in the report Caught in the Act – and discuss the challenges and rewards of using social media in an investigation.
Noon-1:00 p.m. LUNCH
1:00-2:00 p.m. Planning an Investigation and Case Study
Sue Haslam, Director, Investigations
How to structure and prepare an investigation plan that will act as a road map throughout the investigation, with an example of how such a plan is executed.
2:00-2:15 BREAK
2:15-4:00 p.m. Case Study Discussion
and Group Preparation of Investigation Plan
Sue Haslam, Director, Investigations
A mock case scenario will be presented that will be used as the basis for the development of an Investigation Plan. Through discussion of a mock case scenario, we will cover how to avoid “issue creep”, develop an effective investigation strategy, pinpoint sources of evidence, anticipate potential roadblocks, use resources efficiently and set realistic milestones and timelines.
4.00pm Transfer to Hotels
DAY TWO
8.30 Bus pick up from Hotels
9:00-10:00 a.m. Witness and interviewing
Sue Haslam, Director, Investigations
How to identify and prioritize witnesses and interview them. We will cover interview preparation, choosing the best location, putting witnesses at ease, dealing with uncooperative witnesses, developing comprehensive question areas, structuring the interview to get maximum information, and assessing whether or not the interview was successful.
10:00-10:45 Exercise on Interviewing
Sue Haslam, Director, Investigations
10:45-11:00a.m. BREAK
11:00 a.m.-Noon Exercise on Interviewing continues
Noon-1:00 p.m. LUNCH
1:00-1:30 p.m. Assessing Evidence
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
How to weigh the evidence gathered in an investigation for sufficiency,
reliability, and relevance.
1:30-2:15 p.m. Report Writing
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
A session on drafting a compelling, persuasive and highly readable report on your systemic investigation.
2:15-2:30 p.m. BREAK
2:30-4:00 p.m. Watchdogs Bark: Making Yourself Heard via Traditional and Social Media
André Marin, Ontario Ombudsman
This session will focus on why and how to make your matter, using all types of media, from traditional print and broadcast media to Twitter.
4:00 p.m. Wrap-Up
4.15pm Return bus transfer to hotels
© 2012 Ombudsman Ontario