Toronto police superintendent demoted after pleading guilty to cheating to get minority cops promoted

Toronto Police Superintendent Stacy Clarke will spend the next two years on the force at the rank of inspector after receiving a demotion Wednesday at a disciplinary hearing for her involvement in a “cheating scheme" to advance the careers of minority officers.

"I found there is sufficient and tangible evidence in front of me that finds [Clarke's] actions amply illustrated abuse of position and abuse of power," hearing officer Robin McElary-Downer said, according to CBC News. "This makes her an unsuitable candidate to be automatically reinstated to the rank of superintendent. Supt. Clarke will need to reapply down the road. When she does, I'm truly hopeful she will demonstrate her readiness to serve at the rank of superintendent."

Clarke's defense lawyer, Joseph Markson, wasn’t opposing a demotion but said it should be one year to 18 months in duration and that Clarke should be automatically promoted after that time. Police prosecutor Scott Hutchison wanted Clarke demoted down two ranks to staff sergeant.

Clarke did not address the hearing but told reporters that she might decide to appeal the decision. "Just very disappointed and very sad about it," Clarke said. "There's a lot of people who have shared these types of experiences ... There's a lot of work still to be done and I'm confident we'll get it done." The Toronto Police Service said it "respects the outcome" of the decision.

"Leaders at the Service are held to the highest standards of conduct, and we take any allegations of misconduct seriously," a statement from the office of Chief Myron Demkiw read. "We acknowledge this case brought forward a number of issues that the Service is addressing."

"The Service has implemented significant reforms in recent years. Hiring and promotional processes were overhauled and our workforce is diversifying at all ranks."

Clarke pleaded guilty to seven counts of misconduct in September of 2023 but tried to justify her behavior by saying she was attempting to counter "anti-Black systemic racism" by providing confidential information to six black constables who were slated for promotional job interviews in 2021.

McElary-Downer said Clarke violated procedure by photographing interview questions and answers and then giving these to the six black candidates in line for the interviews. She told the police officers to delete the evidence of her actions. That was unacceptable to McElary-Downer, who said "it's clear rank brings a higher expectation of flawless behavior. The nature of Supt. Clarke's misconduct undoubtedly shook the confidence and trust the public had in her, and on a broader scale, the Toronto Police Service.”

The hearing officer noted that Clarke was contrite about her wrongdoing and admitted guilt. "Outside of this incident, Supt. Clarke has led an admirable career," McElary-Downer said. "Indisputably, she is held in high regard by the many people she has worked with. Her history reflects she is a rockstar."

A number of prominent police officers testified on behalf of Clarke at the hearing, including former Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders. Clarke has the distinction of being the first black female officer to attain the rank of superintendent with the Toronto Police Service.

Clarke’s supporters were in attendance at the hearing, with some saying the decision confirms the police officer’s allegations about the Toronto police.

"I think it's an extremely harsh punishment and merely a reflection of the justice system and the treatment of Black people from slavery up until now," said Roy Williams, a former member of the Toronto Police Services Board, CBC noted.

Toronto police came under criticism when they delivered coffee to an anti-Israel protest in a Jewish neighborhood and were ridiculed when one officer suggested Toronto residents who were worried about home invasions should “leave their car keys” at the front door to avoid any violence.