Jury recommends stronger support systems after fatal 2021 Niagara police shooting

The inquest into the death of a Niagara man killed by police has led to a jury recommending better support for family members, witnesses and officers involved in fatalities.

Martin Gordyn, 27, died on Jan. 5, 2021 following an interaction with Niagara police.

Officers responded to reports of an impaired driver which then turned into a police chase that began in Niagara Falls. This led to an officer shooting Gordyn.

Gordyn had a lengthy criminal history that involved assault, drugs and several stolen vehicles.

Almost four years later, a jury has recommended the following changes to Niagara police as a result of the incident:

• Continue to explore strategies for improving support, including an emphasis on peer support, and opportunity for counselling and time off for officers involved in critical incidents
• Explore the potential, if feasible, of installing push bars on frontline patrol vehicles

They have also recommended the Ontario government “consider enhancing trauma-informed support for family members and witnesses in relation to police-involved fatalities.”

The second recommendation to the province reads, “review the effectiveness of legislation regarding after-marketing tinting on vehicles in Ontario in order to improve public and police safety.”

READ MORE: Date set for coroner’s inquest into death of man shot by Niagara police