Durham police chief announces retirement as corruption probe continues,
Denying abuse of power, Martin says decision to leave made last year Paul Martin was named Durham Regional police chief in 2014.
Embattled Durham police Chief Paul Martin has announced he is retiring, leaving the beleaguered force as independent investigators continue to probe allegations of corruption and abuse of power against him and his senior command.
Martin broke the news in an email to Durham’s rank-andfile officers Thursday afternoon, calling it a “bittersweet day.”
“Although we have endured more than our fair share of challenges, as I examine the team I work with today, I could not ask for a better group of dedicated men and women to face these challenges with me,” his email said. “I have been proud to be your chief and witness the incredible outcomes daily, accomplished by you, sometimes against formidable odds.”
He will remain in his role until September. He is the second police chief in the GTA to retire this summer, following last month’s announcement by Toronto Chief Mark Saunders.
Martin was named chief in 2014 after working more than 20 years as an officer with Durham Regional Police Service, Canada’s 10th-largest municipal police force, which patrols the region east of Toronto, including Oshawa and Pickering.
In May 2019, a provincial police watchdog launched an investigation after receiving “credible information” that the force’s top brass “might have” participated in alleged criminal conduct.
Citing a “crisis of confidence” with Durham police for Martin and his senior leadership, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission also appointed an administrator to oversee promotions and internal discipline inside Durham police.
The administrator’s presence would “mitigate against any potential interference in the commission’s investigation so that the public can be assured that a full accounting will be achieved,” the commission said at the time.
Martin denied all wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as baseless accusations lobbed by disgruntled employees with axes to grind. He had unsuccessfully turned to the courts to challenge the commission’s order appointing the administrator, but Ontario’s Divisional Court dismissed the motion in April.
A spokesperson said the commission would not comment on if or how Martin’s retirement affects its investigation.
In his statement, Martin said he told the police services board last year he would retire at his 30th anniversary of policing, which was July 3.
He said he delayed officially handing in his papers “due to the many challenges we are facing,” including potential budget cuts, COVID-19 and the ongoing investigation.
Martin applauded his officers for their “courage, determination and daily kindness to the most vulnerable and sometimes most challenging members of our community.”
“You have made my last role in policing the highlight of my career.”
Martin’s departure comes as calls for reform and defunding of police budgets grow across North America.
In the message, he describes himself as “one of the generation of police leaders that helped develop and implement a change agenda for policing ... and one that had a deep commitment to transparency and accountability.”
Kevin Ashe, chair of the Durham Regional Police Services Board, thanked Martin for his service. “Chief Martin has fulfilled his leadership role with the DRPS with excellence and ensured that superior police services were provided to the citizens of our region for the last six years.”