The corruption scandal engulfing the Toronto Police has deepened, now implicating ten current and former officers in the sprawling Project South investigation. The revelation came swiftly on the heels of criminal charges leveled against seven officers and one retiree by York Regional Police, signaling a widening net of scrutiny.
Two additional Toronto officers have been suspended with pay, a move confirmed by police spokesperson Nadine Ramadan. While their identities remain confidential pending further review, the suspensions underscore the gravity of the allegations and the expanding scope of the probe.
The Toronto Police Association is providing legal support to officers facing internal disciplinary action under the Community Safety and Policing Act, a crucial distinction from the legal protections afforded those facing criminal charges. Sources suggest further disciplinary measures are possible, though no additional charges have been filed at this time.
The initial criminal charges against the seven officers include disturbing allegations – a shooting and a conspiracy to commit murder. This latest development demonstrates that the investigation is far from contained, with Peel Regional Police also suspending three of their own officers in connection to Project South.
However, a critical question looms over the investigation: can it truly be impartial? The close relationship between Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and Ontario’s Inspector General of Policing, Ryan Teschner, raises serious concerns about the appearance of objectivity.
Teschner, who previously oversaw Demkiw’s hiring and publicly endorsed him at his swearing-in ceremony, is now tasked with reviewing the investigation. This proximity casts a shadow over the process, fueling doubts about a truly independent assessment.
Despite assurances from the Inspectorate of Policing regarding safeguards and impartiality, the inherent conflict of interest remains. Demkiw and Teschner’s shared history within the Toronto Police force undermines the perception of a fair and unbiased review.
Many believe Chief Demkiw should recuse himself from Project South entirely. With a growing number of officers implicated in serious allegations – including the sharing of sensitive information and a plot to commit murder – his continued involvement risks compromising the integrity of the investigation.
Demkiw’s highly visible public appearances following the initial charges, including a media tour and a joint press conference with York Regional Police, have drawn criticism. Critics argue that these actions, permitted by city officials, were premature and potentially prejudicial.
This situation echoes past scandals in other organizations – from Hockey Canada to the Chicago Blackhawks – where those under investigation were removed from overseeing the inquiry. The principle is simple: those implicated cannot be entrusted with policing themselves.
The unusual display of force at the joint press conference – with officers appearing armed and wearing bulletproof vests – further blurred the lines between investigation and prosecution. The spectacle raised questions about the potential for prejudicing any future trials.
A truly independent investigation demands a clear separation of powers. It requires a whistleblower strategy that encourages officers to come forward without fear of reprisal, and it necessitates removing those with a vested interest from directing the process.
While resignation may not be necessary, Chief Demkiw must step back from Project South, focusing on all other aspects of Toronto Police operations. Alternatively, the Mayor, Premier, or Solicitor General must intervene to ensure the investigation’s credibility and maintain public trust.
The scale of this probe, promising to “leave no stone unturned,” means that Demkiw and his command team could ultimately be called as witnesses. Removing him from the investigation now is a proactive step to safeguard the process and ensure a just outcome.
