Police services in the Waterloo region and Guelph have both expressed support for an independent review that was announced on Monday by Ontario’s inspector general of policing.
Ryan Teschner stated that all police services across the province will be reviewed following a corruption investigation involving current and former officers from the Toronto Police Service. Officers have also been suspended as part of an inquiry conducted by the Peel Region police service.
The allegations against these officers include serious criminal activities such as conspiracy to commit murder, shootings, extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking.
Teschner mentioned that all 45 police services in Ontario, along with their boards-including the Ontario Provincial Police-will undergo scrutiny from an external investigator.
“I understand that the public is watching. I understand that these issues need to be dealt with and addressed swiftly, but I’m also committed to doing so properly,” Teschner said, adding that once the review is complete, its findings will be online.
WATCH | All Ontario police forces to face independent review after Toronto corruption scandal:
All Ontario police forces to face independent review after Toronto corruption scandal
Last week, several officers from Toronto faced charges related to a corruption investigation. Additionally, three officers from Peel were suspended in connection with this case. Ontario’s inspector general has revealed that all 45 police forces in the province-and their respective boards-will be evaluated by an external investigator whose findings will be made public.
Breaking down what we know about the Toronto police corruption probeCBC’s Ali Chiasson provides updates on what’s being considered one of Toronto’s largest corruption scandals involving seven active-duty officers along with one retired officer facing charges. UPDATE (Feb. 25, 2026): Some content has been blurred to remove potentially identifying information.
Source link
All Ontario police forces to face independent review after Toronto corruption scandal
Last week, several officers from Toronto faced charges related to a corruption investigation. Additionally, three officers from Peel were suspended in connection with this case. Ontario’s inspector general has revealed that all 45 police forces in the province-and their respective boards-will be evaluated by an external investigator whose findings will be made public.
Review ‘can provide valuable insights’
Cherri Greeno, director of corporate affairs for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, noted that they “welcome the announcement today regarding a province-wide independent review.” “We value any recommendations that support the continuous improvement of police governance practices and ensure we continue providing adequate and effective policing to the community,” Greeno stated. “We want to reassure the community that safeguarding personal information and maintaining transparency and accountability within our organization is of utmost importance.” Peter Mc Sherry, chair of the Guelph Police Service Board, shared similar sentiments stating they also “welcome today’s announcement of an independent review of the province’s policing sector following last week’s troubling allegations.” “When even a few officers’ integrity is questioned, it can negatively affect all officers and undermine public trust,” Mc Sherry said. “This review by the inspector general can provide valuable insights which support continuous improvement in policing practices and maintain public confidence in Ontario’s police services.”5 areas to be reviewed
The Toronto Police Service Board indicated on February 5th that allegations of criminal conduct by any member will be “taken extremely seriously” and called on Teschner for a comprehensive review of their service. This includes examining recruitment screening processes, evidence management practices, access to police databases, among others. WATCH | What is known so far about the Toronto police corruption probe :
Breaking down what we know about the Toronto police corruption probeCBC’s Ali Chiasson provides updates on what’s being considered one of Toronto’s largest corruption scandals involving seven active-duty officers along with one retired officer facing charges. UPDATE (Feb. 25, 2026): Some content has been blurred to remove potentially identifying information.The inspector general’s assessment of all Ontario police services will concentrate on five key areas as outlined by Teschner:
How officers are supervised and how effective supervision measures are. Screening and vetting procedures for officers during recruitment as well as throughout their careers. Access rights related to police databases and information systems. Evidence handling protocols. Property management. Substance abuse policies alongside fitness for duty assessments.Teschner previously held roles as executive director and chief staff member at the Toronto Police Board. He mentioned he would appoint an external individual to lead these investigations as a “safeguard.”
The external investigator will report back directly to him; he’ll determine if there are any compliance issues related to policing legislation.
Teschner confirmed that this external inspector’s report would also be made available online.
Source link
