Chief Myron Demkiw has broken his silence regarding allegations of antisemitism and anti-Black discrimination within the Toronto Police Service. The allegations were published in retired Inspector Hank Idsinga's bestselling memoir, The High Road: Confessions of a Homicide Cop.
During a press conference on Thursday, Demkiw stated, "Any allegation of a Toronto Police officer being involved in any kind of racist behaviour we take very, very seriously." However, it remains unclear whether the service has formally launched an investigation or is considering doing so. Critics question whether the Toronto Police should be investigating themselves.
Idsinga, who spent 34 years with the force, including 18 years in the Homicide Unit, has described what he calls "vile racism in the uppermost ranks of the police service." In interviews promoting his book, he recounted incidents where senior officers made antisemitic remarks. One incident involved a senior officer allegedly saying, "The only reason he gets away with this is because he's a f---ing Jew," while watching a biography of a fellow officer. The same officer reportedly referred to a kosher barbecue as a "Jew-q" and made disparaging remarks about a Jewish lawyer.
Idsinga also alleged that corrupt promotions and complaint reporting protocols are prevalent within the force. He expressed a lack of confidence in the complaints process, stating that those taking complaints are often the same people who engage in racist behaviour. He claimed that toward the end of his career, he felt ostracized and retired because of a particular senior manager.
In response, Demkiw said the service has approached Idsinga to participate in an investigation, but Idsinga has declined. Demkiw emphasized that the allegations are being examined carefully and that he met with the Jewish internal support network executive to discuss the matter.
Prominent Jewish organizations have called for an external investigation. Rich Robertson of B'nai Brith Canada stated, "Any investigation needs to be external, otherwise its efficacy will be brought into disrepute." Michelle Stock of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs echoed this sentiment, saying, "We expect that an independent third-party review will also take place."
Idsinga remains steadfast, while Demkiw is also firm in his position. The situation raises questions about whether the Toronto Police Board, Mayor Olivia Chow, Premier Doug Ford, or Ontario's Inspector General for Policing will intervene to ensure transparency.
