A shadow hung over the Durham Regional Police Service for years, fueled by whispers of misconduct and a deeply troubled internal culture. A long-awaited investigation, finally surfacing after relentless pursuit, confirms those fears – revealing a disturbing pattern of cronyism, harassment, and potentially criminal activity within the force.
The investigation, spearheaded by the now-defunct Ontario Civilian Police Commission, didn’t just identify isolated incidents. It painted a picture of a “poisoned” work environment, where raising concerns meant facing humiliation and ostracism. Employees allege a systematic effort to silence dissent and protect those in power.
The initial complaints, brought forward in 2019 by a lawyer representing DRPS members, spoke of favoritism “at the highest levels.” These weren’t minor grievances; they detailed interference in investigations, the dismissal of PTSD claims, and even alleged attempts to conceal a sexual assault between two members from the province’s Special Investigations Unit.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the report remained hidden from public view, surfacing only after a determined access-to-information request. Even then, significant portions were redacted, obscuring crucial details and raising questions about transparency.
The accusations extend beyond harassment. Employees described a lack of oversight in senior officer hiring, investigations into workplace issues that were either inept or deliberately sabotaged, and a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and dismissive attitudes towards mental health concerns.
The secrecy surrounding the report baffled even Durham’s police chief, Peter Moreira. He and the police services board repeatedly urged the OCPC to release the findings publicly, mirroring past practices. Moreira stressed the importance of transparency while protecting the privacy of those not directly involved.
This isn’t a new crisis. The current situation echoes events from 2019, when former chief Paul Martin had his powers stripped following a separate OCPC report. That investigation uncovered corruption and abuse of power, triggering a “crisis of confidence” that demanded immediate action.
Moreira, appointed in 2023 after Martin’s resignation, insists that significant changes have been implemented. He and the board are reviewing the investigation’s 33 recommendations, promising public status reports on their progress. However, the lingering questions about the initial report’s redactions and the depth of the cultural issues remain.
The weight of these allegations casts a long shadow, demanding accountability and a fundamental shift in the Durham Regional Police Service’s culture. The path forward requires not just addressing the past, but ensuring a future where integrity and transparency are paramount.
The revelations underscore a systemic failure to address internal issues, leaving a lasting impact on the officers who served and the community they were sworn to protect. The fight for a truly accountable and ethical police force continues.
