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In a troubling revelation, the Toronto Police Service’s 12 Division has a documented history of data breaches that have raised questions about its internal integrity. This comes in light of the recent Project South investigation, a significant corruption probe that resulted in the arrest of several officers from the division. A review of disciplinary records shows that four other constables from 12 Division faced sanctions for unlawful database access over the past eight years, highlighting a pattern that has ignited public concern.
Repeated Breaches Identified
According to an analysis by The Globe and Mail, nearly one-third of the 13 cases leading to convictions for database breaches within the Toronto Police Service since 2018 originated from 12 Division. While these incidents are classified as serious misconduct, they typically do not result in criminal charges. Notably, Constable Ricardo Gomez from 12 Division is the only officer who has faced criminal consequences for leaking sensitive information to an individual with a criminal past, although he is still subject to police act charges.
The Project South investigation was instigated by an alleged assassination attempt on a corrections officer, which subsequently revealed that Constable Timothy Barnhardt had misused police databases to leak information related to the case. Seven officers are currently facing charges in connection with Project South, with three of them, including Barnhardt, linked to the 12 Division.
Overview of Disciplinary Cases
The inquiry into the 12 Division’s conduct uncovered various motives behind the breaches, ranging from personal relationships to improper information sharing. Some officers received minimal penalties, often just a few days’ docked pay, for their infractions. Notably, Constable Alison Gaudino was sanctioned for conducting unauthorized database searches on individuals she had personal ties with. The disciplinary committee underscored that officers should be acutely aware of the rules regarding the use of sensitive data.
In 2018, Constable Brian Collymore also faced disciplinary action for an unexplained query related to a licence plate, and Constable Daniel Smith was reprimanded for attempting to contact a woman he had met during a domestic violence call. Such instances raise concerns about the ethical standards within the division and the consequences of breaching privacy protocols.
Response from Authorities and Union
In response to the emerging concerns surrounding Project South, the Ontario Inspector-General of Policing has commissioned a retired judge to oversee a provincewide investigation into police corruption, with a focus on database security. Toronto Police Service spokesperson Stephanie Sayer stated that there is no evidence suggesting a disproportionate issue of database misuse within 12 Division compared to other divisions, but acknowledged that not all breaches reach public disciplinary hearings.
Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, emphasised the need for careful evaluation of each case of database misuse. He noted that while some infractions may not meet the threshold for criminal charges, they can still reflect poorly on the integrity of the service.
The Broader Implications of Database Misuse
The series of data breaches within the 12 Division raises significant questions about the culture and oversight mechanisms within the Toronto Police Service. The ongoing scrutiny, particularly in light of the Project South investigation, highlights a pressing need for reform and greater accountability in handling sensitive information.
Why it Matters
The repeated data breaches within the Toronto Police Service’s 12 Division not only undermine public trust but also raise serious ethical concerns about the conduct of those sworn to protect the community. As the Project South investigation unfolds, the outcomes could have lasting implications for policing standards across Ontario. Ensuring transparency and accountability in police operations is essential for restoring faith in law enforcement institutions and maintaining the integrity of public service.
