Interim recommendations from the Independent Expert Panel looking at policing in Thunder Bay will soon be presented
The group wrapped up a pair of public consultations on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The mandate of the panel installed in March, includes:
- Reviewing the board’s Strategic Plan and determining progress in its implementation
- Reviewing policies, procedures, training, and practices related to internal/public concerns regarding human rights and mental health issues
- Consulting with TBPSB, TBPS, and the community on barriers & effective actions
- Reviewing relevant past OCPC and OIPRD recommendations & their implementation
- Developing and presenting recommendations for action to the TBPSB & the community
Chair Alok Mukherjee said Thursday that there’s a common theme that has emerged, “A feeling of being let down but they trust this process to have their voices heard, the process that (the panel) is embarking upon,” Mukherjee added. “We want to ensure that the next Thunder Bay Police Services Board (TBPSB) has the information and the recommendations to ensure that we or another group is not here again. There is a desire for strong leadership by the board, strong response to concerns from the community, and strong relationships between the board and the community.”
The Expert Panel is still seeking feedback from the public by emailing tbexpertpanel@gmail.com.
Late last month the TBPSB levied a suspension against Chief Sylvie Hauth, who faces three counts of alleged misconduct under the Police Services Act, (PSA) all relating to the investigation launched against board member Georjann Morriseau.
Acting Deputy Chief Dan Taddeo will lead the force going forward.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) expressed concerns about the management of discipline in the police service, the conduct of criminal investigations by its officers, and the ability of senior leadership to administer day-to-day operations in good faith and in compliance with the PSA.
Concerns emerged from a preliminary review requested by Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, with the support of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board (TBPSB).
The OCPC continues its investigation into the actions of not only Chief Hauth, but Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes and police lawyer Holly Walbourne.
