Police departments in Waterloo region and Guelph have expressed their support for an independent review announced on Monday by Ontario’s inspector general of policing.
Ryan Teschner revealed that all police services across the province will undergo a review following a corruption investigation involving both current and retired officers from the Toronto Police Service. Some officers have also been suspended as part of a related investigation by Peel Region police.
The accused officers face serious allegations, including conspiracy to commit murder, shootings, extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking.
Teschner stated that all 45 police services in Ontario, along with their boards-including the Ontario Provincial Police-will be reviewed by 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, the findings will be made available 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 were charged in connection with a corruption investigation. Later on, three officers from Peel region were suspended as well. The inspector general has declared that all 45 police forces in the province-and their respective boards-will undergo an external review with results publicly.
Breaking down what we know about the Toronto police corruption probeCBC’s Ali Chiasson breaks down everything we know about what’s being described as one of Toronto’s largest corruption scandals involving seven active-duty officers from Toronto along with one retired officer who faced charges.
Source link
All Ontario police forces to face independent review after Toronto corruption scandal
Last week, several officers from Toronto were charged in connection with a corruption investigation. Later on, three officers from Peel region were suspended as well. The inspector general has declared that all 45 police forces in the province-and their respective boards-will undergo an external review with results publicly.
Review ‘can provide valuable insights’
Cherri Greeno, director of corporate affairs for Waterloo Regional Police Service, stated 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 said. “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 Guelph Police Service Board, mentioned they also “welcome today’s announcement of an independent review of the province’s policing sector following troubling allegations revealed last week.” “When even a few officers’ integrity is questioned, it can negatively impact all officers and erode public trust,” Mc Sherry said. “This review by the inspector general of policing 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 stated on Feb. 5 that any allegations concerning criminal conduct by members will be “taken extremely seriously” and called for Teschner to conduct a comprehensive service review looking at recruitment screening procedures, 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 breaks down everything we know about what’s being described as one of Toronto’s largest corruption scandals involving seven active-duty officers from Toronto along with one retired officer who faced charges.Teschner noted that his investigation into all Ontario police services will center around five specific areas:
How officers are supervised and how effective supervision is. Screening and vetting processes for officers during recruitment as well as throughout their careers. Access protocols for police databases and information systems. Evidence handling practices. Substance abuse policies related to fitness for duty.Teschner has previously held positions as executive director and chief of staff at the Toronto Police Board; he intends to appoint an external individual to lead these investigations as a “safeguard.”
The external investigator will report back directly to him; he’ll then assess whether there was any non-compliance with existing policing legislation.
The findings from this external investigator’s report will be online according to Teschner’s statement.Source link
