Police Story

In response to Jason McBride’s profile of a whistleblower cop and the dire consequences she faced, readers were furious, sympathetic and riveted.

“I’m writing to express my profound outrage after reading Jason McBride’s article ‘Brute Force,’ shedding light on the harassment that women endure within the Toronto Police Service. The detailed accounts of misconduct, cover-ups and deceit are deeply disturbing, and it is appalling that such behaviour persists in 2024. “The bravery and strength demonstrated by Firouzeh ZarabiMajd, the young woman who shared her experience, deserves recognition. The revelations call for urgent action, accountability and a thorough re-evaluation of the systems in place to prevent such abuses of power. “As a society, we cannot tolerate such behaviour, especially from those entrusted with protecting and serving our communities. It’s my hope that your publication continues to shed light on such issues and contributes to the necessary dialogue for positive change.”

—Solange Strom, Toronto

“What a remarkable issue January 2024 is. The feature about the slumlord is shocking and heartbreaking for the tenants whose lives she destroyed. As is the one about the police officer who was driven out of a job she loved by misogynistic co-workers. This quality of investigative journalism creates waves that cannot be ignored and will no doubt make a significant positive difference in many lives.”

—Jean Dalgleish

“I am appalled at the story of Firouzeh Zarabi-Majd’s experience as a Toronto cop. Furthermore, to learn that the police service’s legal expenses are paid by us, the tax

payers, is beyond insulting—it makes the public complicit. It’s way past time we demand change. We owe it to every person who has been deliberately wronged as well as to the public.”

—Philippa King

“I had two miserable experiences with Toronto police in my youth that left a massive chip on my shoulder. Then I had a direct interaction with the former officer profiled in your magazine. She was the kind of officer who makes you rethink the ‘all cops are bastards’ assumption. She kindly and effectively de-escalated a tough situation and changed the way I viewed police, both individually and as an institution. But, after reading this, my faith in that institution has been shattered again. “Nobody deserves what she went through in her workplace, especially not someone with that kind

of moral compass. Ironically, her outspokenness only solidifies the toxicity of the institution. I wish her well and commend her for opening up.”

—Appropriate-Skill-60, Reddit

“OUTSTANDING article. Thank you for covering Effy’s story. This is real journalism!”

—@shesrideordie, X

“When a victim reports in the Canadian Armed Forces, they get labelled ‘administrative burdens’ and lose their careers while the perpetrators generally get promoted. It’s a disgraceful and disgusting way of trying to make the problem disappear. Raise your voice, sister. You are seen, heard and believed by a massive community of survivors, and collectively we will make them face their shame and change!”

—@jojofran1, X

“She is incredibly brave to pursue this for so long. I hope she wins and makes policing safer for future generations of officers. She is a hero in my books.”

—@SinghingSam, X

Zarabi-Majd’s former lawyer took issue with parts of the piece and weighed in directly:

“I am writing in response to the mention of me in your recent article ‘Brute Force,’ about the battle between a former client, Firouzeh Zarabi-Majd, and the Toronto Police Service. “I would have thought that my obtaining an offer of $1.3 million for someone earning less than $100,000 a year was a very significant achievement, one that any employee would be delighted to accept. “Contrary to your article, pursuing a settlement via mediation was