How Ron Taverner´s resumé compares with the last four OPP commissioners´
(The Star Food)

Premier Doug Ford is facing criticism for the appointment of his friend, Toronto police Supt. Ron Taverner, as the next commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police. Ford has said he had “zero influence�in the appointment. But he admitted earlier this week he did not recuse himself from cabinet when Taverner, 72, was approved as commissioner.Questions have been raised about why the police superintendent was chosen for the position, given that he has never headed a police force nor held a high-ranking position with the OPP.Earlier this week iPolitics revealed that the government quietly modified the posting for the position, a move that helped Taverner meet the criteria for the job, despite the fact his position — superintendent — fell two ranks below the initial threshold. The posting had called for applicants to hold, at minimum, a rank of deputy chief or assistant commissioner. Here’s how his qualifications stack up against those of his immediate predecessors:Read more: Close adviser to Premier Doug Ford had real estate deal with future OPP commissioner Ron Taverner ‘No concerns’ about hiring of Ron Taverner to head the OPP, says Ontario Safety Minister Sylvia JonesFord says he did not influence the decision to name close friend Ron Taverner as head of the OPPRon Taverner, the next commissionerTaverner has been a police officer in the Toronto force since 1967. He has worked in various divisions and units, including intelligence, organized crime enforcement, outlaw motorcycle gangs and community policing. His current rank of superintendent is three below that of chief (although one of those ranks — staff superintendent — is being phased out).As unit commander of 12, 23 and 31 Divisions, he is responsible for more than 700 uniformed officers and civilian staff.The official announcement of his appointment as incoming OPP commissioner from the Ontario Government does not say whether Taverner holds a university ...