Chief Myron Demkiw emphasizes support for the justice system and initiates reviews to mend public trust after a controversial trial.
Toronto’s Police Chief, Myron Demkiw, made a definitive statement on Tuesday, asserting his acceptance of the jury’s decision to acquit Umar Zameer in the death of Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup. This statement aimed to clarify earlier comments that had conveyed a different sentiment following the verdict last week.
Chief Demkiw expressed his unequivocal support for the justice system at a press conference held at the Toronto police headquarters. “Let me be crystal clear: I support and accept the verdict of the jury,” he declared, addressing concerns and misinterpretations arising from his initial reaction to the acquittal.
The trial, which lasted five weeks, concluded with Zameer’s acquittal on charges of running over Detective Northrup, who was in plainclothes at the time of the incident. The prosecution had argued that Zameer, a Brampton accountant, had intentionally struck the officer. However, Zameer maintained that he was unaware that Northrup and his partner, also in plainclothes, were police officers, believing instead that he was being robbed.
In light of the trial and its outcomes, Chief Demkiw has ordered an independent review by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to examine the Toronto Police Service’s practices, especially concerning plainclothes operations. This move comes after Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy highlighted concerns regarding the credibility of police witness testimonies during the trial.
Responding to skepticism about one police agency reviewing another, Demkiw assured the public that measures would be in place to ensure impartiality and that the review would “go where the facts lead us.” He refrained from commenting on whether the review was an acknowledgment of errors within the force, stating it was premature for such discussions.
The police chief emphasized the importance of every interaction with the community, especially in light of the need to rebuild public trust. “We certainly recognize the concerns of the community. We’re going to do everything we can to rebuild trust in the best way we possibly can,” he remarked.
This case has sparked significant public and media attention, raising questions about police procedures and the transparency of the justice system in Toronto. The outcomes of the forthcoming reviews and their impact on policing standards and public trust are awaited with keen interest
