TTC investigating employee allegations against Special Constables Unit
Posted March 3, 2021 4:31 pm.
Last Updated March 3, 2021 5:33 pm.
The Toronto Transit Commission has called for an external investigation into what it calls “serious” complaints of harassment, favoritism and improper overtime claims within the transit agency’s Special Constables Unit.
The TTC says the allegations were made through its Integrity Hotline and to the Human Rights Department over the past five months. After consulting with the Toronto Police Services’ Professional Standards Unit, the decision was made to conduct an external review.
“Investigators will look into allegations of discriminatory conduct, unequal treatment, and personal (workplace) harassment by certain individuals as well as claims that some employees received a disproportionate share of overtime and shift extension work,” read a statement released by the TTC.
“It will include interviews with witnesses and the collection of relevant documents and correspondence in advance of a final report and recommendations.”
The TTC says three employees within the Special Constables Unit have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Workplace lawfirm Turnpenney Milne LLP has been hired to conduct the investigation, which the TTC says will take approximately 20 weeks to complete.
RELATED: 2 TTC special constables fired for using excessive force in 501 streetcar incident
TTC special constables have limited police powers to enforce the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Liquor Licence Act, and the Trespass to Property Act on the transit system.
Last December, Toronto Ombudsman Susan Opler urged the TTC to deal swiftly with what she called a “para-military” culture within the unit after an investigation concluded Special Constables used unnecessary force in an altercation with a passenger aboard the 501 streetcar last February.
Following an 11-month investigation into the incident by an independent investigator, two special constables were terminated. The union which represents Constables, Fare Inspectors and Protective Services Guards within the TTC said at the time they would file a grievance with the aim of resinstating both officers.
