Toronto police face scrutiny after Project South charges.

York Region police have charged eight current or former Toronto officers and 19 civilians in Project South, with allegations including bribery, drug trafficking and misuse of police data; Toronto Police chief Myron Demkiw has asked the province’s inspector general to conduct a full, independent investigation.

York Region police on Thursday announced charges in an investigation called Project South that named eight current or former Toronto police officers and 19 civilians. The allegations reported include bribery, drug trafficking and the sharing of confidential police data that authorities say was used in an alleged plot against a corrections official. Toronto Police Service chief Myron Demkiw described the moment as painful and said the matter must be addressed openly and honestly. Demkiw has asked the province’s inspector general of policing to conduct a full, independent investigation. Reported details: - York Region police charged eight current or former Toronto officers and indicted 19 civilians under Project South, according to police statements. - Authorities allege some officers accepted bribes, were involved in drug trafficking, and that at least one officer provided confidential police data later linked to an alleged attempt on a corrections official. - None of the allegations have been proven in court; Chief Demkiw has requested an independent probe by the provincial inspector general of policing. Summary: The charges have prompted scrutiny about whether the alleged misconduct was limited to a small group or reflects wider problems within the service. Authorities say an independent review by the inspector general will be conducted, and criminal proceedings against the accused will continue.