Police unfairly portrayed, union says

Re Unleash the watchdog, Editorial Aug. 3 This editorial unfairly portrays officers witness to an SIU incident as flagrantly unco-operative and fails to acknowledge the strong legislative powers of the SIU and the chief of police.

I am unaware of a single incident where Toronto Police Service members failed to co-operate with the SIU during an investigation or a prosecution. The Toronto Police Association (TPA) and our members understand and support the need for civilian oversight, accountability and transparency and the value of public confidence. Our members respect the role of the SIU and are well aware of their duty to co-operate.

The requirement for police officers to co-operate with the SIU during an investigation is contained in the Police Services Act and its Regulations, including the obligation for witness officers to submit to an interview with the SIU. A police officer, who breaches any of these provisions, is subject to a disciplinary offence proceeding by the chief of police.

A witness officer in a prosecution is no different from any other witness under subpoena. Failure to attend court to testify can result in the issuance of an arrest warrant. Further, failure or refusal to answer questions and provide testimony when in the witness box exposes any witness, including an officer, to being held in contempt of court.

My responsibility as the president of the TPA is to ensure that my members’ rights are protected and respected and that complaints against police officers are investigated by competent civilian oversight, impartially and expeditiously without political interference. Mike Mccormack, president, Toronto Police Association