Ontario orders provincewide police-corruption inspection after Toronto fallout
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابOntario’s inspector general of policing, Ryan Teschner, has ordered an independent, provincewide inspection of police services and police boards following corruption allegations involving the Toronto Police Service that he said have shaken public trust.
Speaking at Queen’s Park, Teschner said the inspection will be carried out under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act and will focus on five areas: officer supervision and span of control, screening and vetting, access to police databases and information systems, evidence and property management, and substance abuse and fitness for duty, with scope to expand if needed.
The move follows York Regional Police’s Feb. 5 announcement of charges against seven active Toronto police officers and one retired officer in “Project South,” an organized-crime and corruption investigation. Global News reported the allegations include bribery, obstruction of justice, drug trafficking, theft of personal property, breach of trust, and the unauthorized access and distribution of confidential information.
Teschner said an external inspector will be appointed with the authority to obtain relevant information and ensure the review does not interfere with Project South. He added that if non-compliance with policing legislation is found, he may issue legally binding directions, and that the review will be made public, though no timeline was provided.
