Chief Supports External and Internal Reviews
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw expressed support for the work of Inspector General Ryan Teschner, in examining how police services across the province can safeguard against corruption and continue to support external and internal investigations and reviews.
Speaking at a news conference at City Hall on February 9, he welcomed Teschner’s response to his request to conduct an inspection after criminal charges were levelled against seven Toronto police officers as part of a York Regional Police investigation.
“I thank the Inspector General for responding to our request to conduct an inspection…that is sector wide…that’s an important statement on how police leaders feel about the need for the sector to work together, to do everything we can to address the allegations that emanate from Project South, but importantly as a sector, come together and prevent any types of occurrences of this nature from ever happening again,” Demkiw said.
Earlier today, Teschner announced that he will appoint an external inspector, independent of the government, to look at how the 45 police services across the province can safeguard against corruption.
“This person will bring the expertise, focus and rigorous methodology required for such an important inspection,” he said. “Once appointed, the inspector will have the same statutory authority as I do to access any information relevant to this inspection. Importantly, this work will be conducted in a way that does not interfere with ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions.
“At the conclusion of the sector-wide inspection, the inspector will provide me with a report detailing their independent findings, based on their assessment of the evidence and information collected. I will then review this report to determine whether there has been any non-compliance with policing legislation, including failures to provide adequate and effective policing. If non-compliance is identified, I must decide whether to issue legally binding directions requiring action to ensure compliance and improvements across the system.”
Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said the Board also supports the Inspector General’s work.
“A key benefit of this process is it is going to allow us to learn and act in real time,” she said. “Rather than waiting for years for a report, we will be getting recommendations as the work progresses and can begin implementing improvements rights away. That matters because public confidence is built through actions.”
Demkiw also said he is seeking suspension without pay for six of the seven members who it is alleged to have committed criminal offences. At this point, he is unable to seek suspension of the seventh officer due to legislation.
Demkiw also committed to starting an internal working group to exam what steps can be taken right away to prevent corruption, and he highlighted the importance of hearing from the Toronto Police Association and Senior Officers Organization and the voices of 8000 members “who deliver police services in this city, admirably courageously with integrity every day.”
“We’re looking at our internal processes, practices and everything we do to ensure we’re responding as quickly as we can, recognizing the work of the Inspector General may take some time. We will support that work completely and comprehensively, but we will not waste a moment to move forward in enhancing our capacity internally within the Toronto Police Service,” Demkiw said, noting he will listen to officers of all ranks on how to improve accountability.
“I want to reiterate the importance of hearing the voice and perspective of those who deliver services in this city admirably, courageously, with integrity every day and make sure that the association that represents those members has an opportunity to weigh in as we develop a work plan to move forward on the changes we need to make.”
In the meantime, Demkiw has committed to expanding the Professional Standards pillar and has appointed additional supervisors at 12 Division, where several officers were charged.
The Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) has also advised TPS that they will take responsibility for all allegations related to Community Safety and the Policing Act.
The York Regional Police Service investigation continues as does work by Toronto Police Professional Standards officers to support the case.
“My commitment is to leading the over 8,000 members of this organization who each and every day do an exceptional job serving the city of Toronto. My job has been for some time and will continue to be to support the internal investigations conducted by York Regional Polcie and others,” Demkiw said.
