Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jan 2004 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 The Ottawa Citizen Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Author: Shannon Kari DRUG SQUAD PROBLEMS 'DEALT WITH,' CHIEF SAYS More Toronto Officers Could Face Disciplinary Measures TORONTO -- Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino says a 30-month investigation did not uncover widespread corruption in the city's now-disbanded drug squad. But Chief Fantino confirmed yesterday that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against former squad members who are not facing criminal charges. "Over 21/2 years ... the allegations against the remaining officers that have appeared in today's media were fully investigated but not supported by evidence," said Chief Fantino. "Whatever issues fall out from this investigation, they either have been dealt with or they are being dealt with." Six veteran officers were charged earlier this month with 22 counts of perjury, theft, extortion and assault-related charges. Four other former drug-squad members were named as unindicted co-conspirators. The corruption allegations have also resulted in the staying of charges in more than 200 drug prosecutions in Toronto, dating back to 1996. Affidavits made public this week by the Ontario Court of Appeal showed a task force, led by RCMP Chief Supt. John Neily, found evidence of criminal activity by as many as 17 officers. The allegations included theft of money and drugs during raids, trafficking, threats against witnesses and even the sale of weapons to drug dealers. The findings outlined in task force affidavits appear to contradict Chief Fantino's assertions that the allegations were "not supported by evidence." The task force indicated it had "isolated significant criminal behaviour on the part of 12 serving Toronto Police Service officers against whom I believe I have reasonable and probable grounds to believe they have committed serious criminal offences," said Chief Supt. Neily in an affidavit file in June 2003. Ontario's Attorney General's office eventually decided to lay charges against only six of the officers under investigation. Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant has refused to call a public inquiry into the corruption allegations. "We have a terrific police force, but the comments of a chief superintendent of the RCMP have to be taken seriously," Toronto Mayor David Miller said yesterday. "I spoke with the chief of police today and he will be reporting to the (police services) board about ways to ensure that public confidence is maintained." The impact of the task force findings, however, may not be limited to the criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings. The allegations could also result in civil lawsuits being filed against the force and the Police Services Board. The task force identified 28 cases where there was suspected "criminal misconduct" by drug squad officers. Convictions were registered in at least 14 of these proceedings, which all took place in the late 1990s. The federal Department of Justice, which handles all drug prosecutions, said it was not aware of the misconduct allegations in these cases until the task force affidavits were unsealed earlier this month. The police services board has already settled three of at least seven lawsuits that were previously filed against drug squad officers, but it has refused to make public any details of the agreements. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom