Durham Police in turmoil, watchdog called in after three veteran officers file complaints about chief and his brass
(The Star Fashion & Style)

The Durham police chief and members of his leadership team have been accused of corruption, abuse of power and cover-up by veteran officers who have filed complaints to the province.Among the allegations sent to Ontario’s solicitor general are: Senior command threatened two officers with trumped-up accusations of misconduct in attempts to intimidate or dig up dirt on those who had fallen out of favour with the management, two officers’ complaints allege. A high-ranking officer lied on the stand to “cover up for the chief,” and was then given a promotion to deputy chief, one complaint alleges.A lawyer representing Durham police Chief Paul Martin said the allegations are “false and defamatory.”“For some time now, a handful of disgruntled individuals within (or formerly within) the DRPS have been proffering baseless allegations to try to destroy the reputations of members of the force’s management and command,” lawyer Sean Dewart said in written responses to questions from the Star.Ontario’s solicitor general has asked for an independent police watchdog, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, to look into the allegations, which have not been proven. The commission has started a review to determine whether a full-blown investigation is warranted.The complainants are long-time officers with Durham Regional Police Service, Canada’s 10th largest municipal police force which patrols the region east of Toronto including the cities of Oshawa and Pickering.One is a recently retired inspector whose responsibilities included presiding over internal disciplinary proceedings. Another was a veteran sergeant who says she received glowing performance reviews until she complained about a boss’s harassment. A third was the former president of Durham’s police union.Dewart said most of the allegations have already been investigated and dealt with. He added that Durham police officials are “constrain ...