MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- A veteran Crown attorney has been appointed the new director of Ontario's police watchdog agency.
Tony Loparco takes over as the head of the Special Investigations Unit on Oct. 16.
He replaces Ian Scott, who after five years at the helm of the SIU is stepping down.
The independent agency conducts criminal investigations into serious injuries and deaths that arise during incidents where police are involved.
Loparco currently heads the Scarborough Crown Attorney's Office and has more than 23 years of experience in the justice system.
The Ministry of the Attorney General says Loparco has prosecuted many serious cases on behalf of the province, including high-profile murder charges and gang-related cases.
It also credits him with playing a key role in several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of youth in the criminal justice system.
Ontario Attorney General John Gerretsen thanked Scott for his service in what he called "one of the toughest public sector posts there is."
"Today, the SIU is a model of civilian oversight of police, both here in Canada and around the world," Gerretsen said Friday, adding he's looking forward to working with Loparco to build on that success.
