Ex-judge to hear G20 police misconduct charges: chief

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says officers accused of misconduct during the tumultuous G20 weekend nearly two years ago will face public hearings.  

His announcement comes in the wake of a damning report on the police response to protesters during the international summit that saw the largest mass arrest in Canadian history.

Thirty-two Toronto cops, including four senior commanding officers, face misconduct charges under the Police Services Act after Gerry McNeilly, the head of the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, blasted police for “blindly” following orders during the G20 weekend in June 2010. His 300-page report released on Wednesday cited civil rights abuses, illegal detentions and use of excessive force by police.

The infamous kettling of protesters, observers and journalists at Queen and Spadina during a thunderstorm was highlighted in the report, as were serious problems reported at the detention centre on Eastern Avenue. More than 1,100 people were arrested over that weekend and most were released without charge.

Blair released a statement following an in-camera meeting with the Toronto Police Services Board at city hall on Friday. A public meeting with the board was scheduled later in the day.

“Mr. McNeilly has found there is evidence of misconduct on the part of members of the Toronto Police Service, including a number of Senior Officers and he has directed that hearings be conducted under the Police Services Act. These hearings will take place,” Blair said.

A retired judge will preside over the hearings and a former Crown attorney will prosecute, he said.

McNeilly offered 42 recommendations in his report, including making police legally obligated to provide potential evidence of an officer’s wrongdoing and a call for better planning on the part of the government for large-scale events.

“We will act quickly to respond to those recommendations directed to us,” Blair said.

In regard to the charges, officers convicted could face punishment ranging from lost pay up to dismissal.

Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack wouldn’t discuss the nature of the allegations on Friday but said they can range “anywhere from uncivil behaviour to excessive force.”

“When we look at the enormity of the G20 and what went on, I think that’s a fairly insignificant number,” McCormack told CityNews, adding the allegations have not yet been proven.

Two Toronto Police officers are facing criminal charges due to alleged actions during the G20. Const. Babak Andalib-Goortani was charged with assault with a weapon in connection to the arrest of Adam Nobody at Queen’s Park. Const. Glenn Weddell was charged with assault causing bodily harm after Dorian Barton suffered a broken arm during his arrest.

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