Inspector 'profiled', investigated

By RON FANFAIR

A Black Toronto police inspector is facing a misconduct complaint following an alleged racial profiling incident at a gas pump at 42 Division in Scarborough last month.

Inspector Dave McLeod, who heads 14 Division, was in an unmarked police car waiting in line for gas when a uniformed constable approached him and requested to see his identification.

After complying with the request, McLeod asked the constable if he thought that anyone would steal gas from the police compound.

"You never know," was the officer's response, which shocked McLeod who asked the junior cop if he would have approached a White officer in the same manner.

It's alleged that the officer replied that he would challenge anybody. The constable later filed a complaint of misconduct against McLeod with the Toronto Police Service Professional Standards Investigative Unit.

Lawyer Selwyn Pieters, who is representing McLeod, said the complaint is frivolous and vexatious, and is seeking to have it dismissed.

"In the event that the Toronto Police Service intends to pursue the complaint, my client will fully co-operate and he expects that he will be treated fairly and the complaint will be dealt with in a timely manner," said Pieters. The investigation process could take up to six months.

Last year, 38 randomly-picked Black police officers told a panel of senior Black officers that they face racism and racial stereotyping on the job. Former Police Chief Julian Fantino mandated the panel to prepare the report to determine whether racism existed in the force.

Former 52 Division constable Doreen Guy said she quit the force last year because of systemic racism. Guy, who worked for 19 years in uniform after serving for five years as a civilian, said she was not promoted despite consistently good performances, reviews and earning two degrees while attending school part-time.

Association of Black Law Enforcers (ABLE) president Chris Bullen said he's saddened, but not surprised that Black law enforcement officers continue to face racial discrimination.

"For years, ABLE has been the lone voice, stating that our members are treated differently within the criminal justice system," said Bullen, a sergeant with the York Regional Police Service.

Bullen has called on the Toronto Police Service leadership and the Toronto Police Service Board to show vision, leadership and courage in addressing the issue.

"Our members need to be heard and we need to come to some sort of solution at the end of the process," added Bullen. "ABLE is willing to provide its expertise in assisting the Toronto Police Service in any way it can."