Disciplinary hearing starts for high-ranking Toronto cop

A disciplinary hearing got underway on Monday for a high ranking Toronto police officer who has admitted to misconduct for providing confidential information to six Black constables ahead of their promotional job interviews in 2021.

Supt. Stacy Clarke, the first Black female officer to reach the rank of superintendent at the Toronto Police Service, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to seven charges under the Police Services Act. The charges include three counts of breach of confidence, three counts of discreditable conduct and one count of insubordination.

The service has said she interfered with its internal promotions process. In 2021, Clarke served on a three-person panel that conducted interviews for promotions, but used that position to share answers with interviewees.

According to court documents, Clarke "is facing misconduct allegations for sharing interview questions with candidates who had become eligible for promotion."

There were nearly no empty seats in the auditorium at police headquarters where the tribunal hearing was held as the room filled with character witnesses and supporters.

The Jamaican Canadian Association organized a bus for dozens of its members to attend the hearing.

Audrey Campbell, former president of the association, testified at the tribunal. She told reporters outside of the hearing that Clarke believed in the system and helped to build trust between police and the Black community.

Campbell said the lack of promotions for Black officers has been an issue for decades and "everybody is culpable" for the lack of opportunities. She added that members of the Black community often went to Clarke to talk about issues in policing.

"When we said, 'You know, we weren't happy with something,' she said, 'Yes, I know, but we're working, we're trying.' And this is why we're all here — because she's human and she has broken under this," Campbell said.

"She cannot be the person that is punished the hardest... How do you justify that, when you should have implemented the system that would have eliminated the necessity for this?"

Campbell said the force needs to forgive Clarke, who she described as a "beacon of trust," and demonstrate fairness.

Joseph Markson, lawyer for Clarke, told the hearing that Clarke's misconduct during the promotional process was out of character and a lapse in judgment. 

Markson said Clarke is extremely remorseful and that her acts were rooted in despair. 

He said her misconduct was a desperate act to equalize the playing field for Black officers after the stress of systemic racism in policing. He said Clarke experienced systemic racism herself and was trying to bridge the gap for Black other officers.