A judgement in a civil suit against several Winnipeg Police Service officers has prompted an investigation by the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) into the 2014 incident.

On December 26, 2014 police were called to the Clarion Hotel by hotel management for a man who was causing a disturbance by knocking on doors. Four Winnipeg Police officers arrived and after talking to hotel staff went to a room on the second floor. The officers entered the room according to court documents but they did not have a warrant to do so.

The family claims the officers did not have the authority to enter the room and were, therefore, intruders while the officers told the court that they did have authority because they were concerned for the safety of minors.

The judgement in the case tried by Justice Jeff Harris raised allegations of misleading justice and use of excessive force says the IIU.

Under their mandate, the IIU is required to investigate based on some of the prescribed offences. Other offences fall within the Police Services Act and an investigation is discretionary. The civilian director of the IIU, Zane Tessler, has determined that it is in the public interest for an investigation to be conducted.