Chief Demkiw outlines anti-corruption and culture initiatives, supports independent inspection
TORONTO — National News — Toronto Police Service (TPS) Chief Myron Demkiw says the Service is implementing new service-wide initiatives to strengthen accountability and public trust following York Regional Police’s Project South investigation.
Speaking at a meeting of the Toronto Police Service Board, Demkiw detailed actions already taken since Project South was announced last month, and confirmed additional longer-term projects aimed at tightening oversight, improving internal controls, and reinforcing professional standards.
“While the alleged conduct by those arrested in Project South does not reflect the values or professionalism of our members, it has reinforced the responsibility we have to confront risk, strengthen oversight, and uphold public trust,” Demkiw said.
Immediate steps already underway
TPS says that following last month’s developments, senior leaders moved quickly to:
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Engage directly with members and reinforce expectations around professional conduct
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Strengthen supervision at 12 Division
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Ensure wellness supports were available to members
Independent oversight requested
Demkiw and Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll also jointly requested an inspection by the Inspector General of Policing, focused on five areas. TPS says it will collaborate with the Inspector General and fully support the work.
TPS also stated it will continue to cooperate with the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.
New service-wide initiatives announced
Building on the immediate response, TPS announced several longer-term initiatives:
Strengthened internal accountability
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A dedicated inspection team will be added to the Professional Standards Unit (PSU)
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The Service will expand and transition the Investigative Support Unit into a newly formed Anti-Corruption Enforcement Team
Chief’s Anti-Corruption Project
TPS says this project will focus on strengthening safeguards related to:
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Supervision
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Vetting
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Information access
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Evidence management
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Fitness for duty
“One TPS” culture initiative
TPS also announced the “One TPS” Project, intended to reinforce:
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Ethical behaviour
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Leadership alignment
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Shared purpose
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A consistent professional culture across all ranks and roles
The Service says these efforts will be supported by dedicated teams and working groups that include both uniform and civilian members. The Toronto Police Association (TPA) and the Senior Officers’ Organization have been invited to participate.
“Swift, clear-eyed, and decisive,” Chief says
“We promised our members, and members of the public, that our response would be swift, clear-eyed, and decisive,” Demkiw said, adding the Service will continue to adapt as needed in alignment with the Inspector General’s work.
TPS says it will continue providing updates as the initiatives progress and reiterated its commitment to transparency, independent oversight, and ongoing communication with the public and the Police Service Board.
