Toronto Police Union Accuses Internal Unit of Rights Violation in Probe
The Toronto Police Association has labeled a recent internal investigation as an "egregious violation" of officers' rights, sparking calls for the reassignment of a superintendent and a halt to their promotion. This controversy unfolds as the police force grapples with the fallout from the ongoing Project South corruption probe, which has severely damaged public confidence.
Early Morning Search at 22 Division
According to a memo obtained by the Toronto Sun, members of the Toronto Police professional standards unit (PRS) conducted a surprise visit to 22 Division in Etobicoke at 3 a.m. The purpose was to investigate allegations of officers drinking while on duty. As officers completed their shifts, they were taken to an office where their personal belongings were searched, both with and without consent. Many reported feeling they had no choice in the matter.
One officer was asked to perform field sobriety tests but refused, opting instead for a breath test, which returned negative results. The searches yielded no significant findings, according to the memo. Notably, the Toronto Police Association was not contacted before or during the incident, and at least one officer was denied the request to call the union for representation.
Disconnection from Project South
The memo emphasized that this incident is not connected to Project South, the wide-ranging corruption investigation that has implicated multiple officers. It described the PRS actions as a violation of service policies, the collective agreement, and charter rights, warning that such overreactions risk tainting all members due to the actions of a few.
Fallout from Corruption Probe
Public trust in the Toronto Police has been shaken following last month's announcement of arrests in Project South. Seven active-duty officers and one retiree face charges related to drug trafficking, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder, and obstruction of justice. Most were attached to 12 Division in North York, with additional suspensions reported in Peel Region. A corrections officer was also recently arrested in connection with the case, though none of the allegations have been tested in court.
Internal Reforms and Union Response
In response to the corruption scandal, Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has initiated several internal probes aimed at addressing oversight, data access policies, and officer vetting. However, the union argues that these efforts to save face are compromising officers' rights. Lawyers have been hired for the affected members, and grievances will be filed, including a complaint against PRS unit commander Supt. Andy Singh.
The memo also indicates that letters will be sent to Chief Demkiw and police board chair Shelley Carroll, requesting Singh's transfer out of PRS and a pause on his promotion to chief superintendent. A police spokesperson declined to comment on personnel issues but noted that PRS is responsible for investigating potential misconduct to ensure officers' fitness for duty while serving Toronto citizens.
