OIPRD to investigate misconduct allegation against chief Blair

An investigation will be launched into an allegation of misconduct brought forth against Toronto Police chief Bill Blair by Coun. Doug Ford.

In a letter to Ford on Tuesday, Ken Cormier, manager of investigations for the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD), said the complaint filed Jan. 10, was reviewed by the Toronto Police Services Board and it was determined that the alleged conduct may constitute misconduct. No further details were immediately available.

The allegation stems from a fishing trip that Blair took last year with police services board member Andrew Pringle.

Ford raised the issue in November, claiming the purpose of the trip was to influence Blair. He said the trip was a conflict of interest and called for the chief to step down.

Alok Mukherjee, chair of the police services board, said he knew about the trip and said it happened at a time when the chief was told to chop 10 per cent from his budget.

“My understanding is that Mr. Pringle felt that if he built a relationship, given his corporate business background, he may be able to influence the chief’s thinking,” Mukherjee explained.

Ford said he wanted to know who paid for the trip, if conversations about police issues took place on the trip and if the mayor was discussed.

He also asked for Pringle to step down, saying his actions put his ability to serve on the police board in question.

“In my mind, that compromises the board member when it comes up to reviewing anything to do with the chief’s performance, anything to do about renewing the police contract, anything about renewing the police chief’s term.” he said. “We cannot have a police board member be the police chief’s fishing buddy.”

Chief Blair was unavailable for comment on the issue.

The Police Services Act code of conduct categorizes misconduct as discreditable conduct, insubordination, neglect of duty, deceit, breach of confidence, corrupt practices, unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority, damage to clothing or equipment and consuming drugs or alcohol in a manner prejudicial to duty.

With files from Erin Criger

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