Toronto police chief must 'earn' public trust after corruption probe, Chow says

Mayor Olivia Chow said the Toronto police chief must earn back public trust after arrests in Project South that included seven officers; an independent inspection by the Inspector General of Policing has been requested.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the Toronto police chief must re-establish public trust after a large corruption investigation led to multiple arrests. Authorities announced the operation, called Project South, involved serving officers and other suspects. The case has prompted calls for an independent review and meetings among city leaders. Officials also confirmed the planned police budget increase will proceed as negotiated. Known facts: - 27 people were arrested in Project South, including seven serving Toronto police officers and one retired constable. - York Regional Police, which led the probe, said some officers are accused of leaking confidential information to criminal actors and that charges have been laid. - Mayor Olivia Chow said the chief must "earn" public trust back and said she will meet with Chief Myron Demkiw and police board chair Shelley Carroll. - The Toronto Police Service Board requested an independent inspection by the Inspector General of Policing, and city officials said the planned police budget increase will not be changed. Summary: The arrests have prompted officials to describe serious concerns about police integrity and public safety. An independent inspection by the Inspector General of Policing has been requested and local leaders are meeting; the schedule for further legal proceedings is undetermined at this time.