Ottawa's police chief says residents will be shocked by video released Thursday by the Ontario Court of a September 2008 strip search.
Last month, Justice Richard Lajoie stayed charges of public intoxication and assault against Stacy Bonds and criticized the conduct of Ottawa police.
Justice Lajoie said in staying the charges that he was "appalled" that Ms. Bonds was strip searched in the presence of male officers and called the incident an "indignity."
The video shows Ms. Bonds struggling with officers and then held on the floor with a shield as her shirt and bra are cut off.
The 27-year-old was then left topless in a cell at an Elgin Street police station for three hours in soiled pants.
Police Chief Vern White appealed Thursday for "understanding and patience," noting police can't comment while the Special Investigations Unit is probing the incident.
Chief White says the Ottawa force is co-operating with the SIU and reviewing its procedures and its officers' actions.
Ottawa police "will not be making further comments on this matter nor the release of a video by the court, until such time as the SIU investigation is completed," Chief White said.
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency that investigates circumstances involving police and civilians which have resulted in serious injury, including sexual assault or death.