Toronto police chief rips officers accused of corruption. Here’s what he said
Global News
Chief Myron Demkiw ripped into several Toronto police officers accused of corruption Thursday, saying they do not represent what the service stands for.
Chief Myron Demkiw ripped into several Toronto police officers accused of corruption Thursday, saying they do not represent what the service stands for.
Demkiw made the comments during a news conference in York Region, where charges against seven current police officers and one retired member were announced.
The charges they’re facing in a York Regional Police organized crime and corruption investigation include bribery, conspiracy to commit murder and drug trafficking.
Here’s a full transcript of Demkiw’s remarks:
“Good morning. This is a painful and unsettling moment. It needs to be addressed openly, and it needs to be addressed honestly. The allegations against seven Toronto police members and one retired member are deeply disappointing. I understand this news will be distressing for Torontonians and our police service members. No corner of society is immune from the reach of organized crime, but when organized crime penetrates the Toronto Police Service, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing.
Two key principles have guided my actions and ultimately those of the Toronto Police Service. One: the pursuit of justice without fear or favour from or towards anyone, letting the evidence lead where it leads. And two: that the measure of our response will leave no doubt that we understand the harm this represents.
Let me speak first to the pursuit of justice. From Day 1, our priority was to ensure the independence of this investigation to ensure it was conducted with great care, diligence and professionalism and to seek justice no matter how difficult that pursuit may be. The charges are proof of this commitment, and our hope is the integrity of this investigation is the first step in helping Torontonians feel confident in the trust they place in us.
Let me take a moment to say how grateful I am for our policing partners at the York Regional Police service for leading this investigation. Their expertise and independence have been vital. They conducted a deeply thorough and professional investigation. I thank Chief Jim McSween and Deputy Chief Ryan Hogan and their members for their exceptional work. I also want to recognize the many members of the Toronto Police Service who worked tirelessly supporting this investigation, in particular our professional standards unit, who worked hand-in-hand with the York Regional Police throughout this investigation. Their contribution was critical. My sincere thanks to everyone who supported this difficult but very necessary work.
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