Three Peel Regional Police Officers Suspended Amid Corruption Probe

Three officers from the Peel Regional Police have been suspended as part of an ongoing corruption investigation linked to Project South. This development follows a significant announcement by York Regional Police, which detailed serious allegations against several members of the Toronto Police Service. As of now, no new arrests have been made in relation to the Peel officers.

Constable Taylor Halfyard of Peel Regional Police confirmed on March 15, 2024, that while the investigation led by York Regional Police is extensive, no officers from Peel have been charged. The suspensions are administrative and will remain in effect while the inquiry continues. “The scope of the York Regional Police investigation is wide-reaching and ongoing,” Halfyard stated.

On March 14, York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween announced that seven serving members of the Toronto Police, alongside a retired officer, faced criminal charges related to police corruption and a conspiracy to commit murder. Myron Demkiw, Chief of the Toronto Police Service, indicated his intention to suspend four of the charged officers without pay. In contrast, the three Peel officers have been suspended with pay during the investigation.

Both MacSween and Demkiw emphasized that the Project South investigation is far from over, suggesting that further charges may emerge. Speculation regarding additional developments circulated widely on March 14 and 15, culminating in the unexpected news of the Peel officers’ suspensions, which came to light on Friday afternoon.

The suspensions have drawn a response from the Peel Regional Police Association. President Adrian Woolley acknowledged the suspensions but expressed confidence that his members were not involved in any wrongdoing. “We take the work York is doing seriously, but it’s important to say the Peel Police officers who are members of the Peel Police Association were not arrested or charged,” Woolley stated. He added that he anticipates the officers will soon be cleared and return to their duties.

Woolley characterized the suspensions as administrative and voiced concern for the affected officers, describing their emotional state as “devastated.” He noted the impact on their families, saying, “The kids feel awful that they were mentioned in this.” Despite the current circumstances, Woolley remains optimistic about the outcome of the investigation, asserting that the officers will soon be allowed to resume their roles as dedicated public servants.

As the investigation unfolds, both the Peel and York Regional Police remain committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that the integrity of law enforcement is upheld. The situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as Project South advances.