The Toronto Star is monitoring judges’ rulings that find police officers lied on a witness stand since the paper published “Police Who Lie” in 2012. As a result of that series, then Ontario Attorney General John Gerretsen ordered Crown Attorneys to report these decisions to their superiors, who would then refer them to the police force involved. Just what kind of impact this policy has had is subject to disheartening speculation.

Nonetheless, the Star continues to report incidents of probable police dishonesty, and two examples were featured in their GTA Section on succeeding days in April. “Cops deceit leads to case dismissal” on April 23 referenced two officers of the Toronto Police Service. “Cop ‘lied’ to get warrant, judge rules” ran on April 24 and spotlighted an officer with the Peel Regional Police.

turnoverarocktoday sent a brief comment to both Toronto and Peel police. They’re reprinted here. There’s nothing in particular that distinguishes the Star stories of April 23 and 24 from similar examples coming to our attention, either from the media or anecdotal, but the volume needs to be turned up occasionally.

What you’ll read here more than once over time is: You need to stand up, you need to speak up, you need to act up……..otherwise, you need to pack up!

April 25, 2015

Mark Pugash, Director,
Unit Commander, Corporate Communications,
Toronto Police Service,
40 College Street,
Toronto, ON M5G 2J3

Re: Cop’s deceit leads to case dismissal
Toronto Star, April 23, 2015

Director Pugash:

I’m going to stick out my neck, and make an assumption. Constables Juin Pinto and Kimberley Sabadics are still active employees of the TPS, aren’t they?

So, what does that say about the integrity of the force, and its perspective on discreditable conduct by some of its members?

Tell us again Director Pugash why we should see our police officers in a positive light.

Yours truly,

Charles H. Klassen

April 25, 2015

Jennifer Evans, Chief,
Peel Regional Police,
7750 Hurontario Street,
Brampton, ON L6V 3W6

Re: Cop ‘lied’ to get warrant, judge rules
Toronto Star, Friday, April 24, 2015

Chief Evans:

I’m going to make a prediction that Constable Aamer Merchant will still be employed by the Peel Regional Police a year from now.

I’m hoping you’re asked in the spring of 2016 exactly why the public should feel confident in the integrity of their police officers.

Yours truly,

Charles H. Klassen