Civilian cop probe urged
FOUR COUNCILLORS WANT FANTINO CASE INVESTIGATED
By ZEN RURYK, CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
Sat, August 7, 2004
FOUR CITY councillors have called for a civilian oversight body to investigate the Toronto Police Services Board's decision to send Chief Julian Fantino packing in March. Councillors Frances Nunziata, Cesar Palacio, Giorgio Mammoliti and Peter Li Preti want the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCOPS) to intervene in the fight to have Fantino's contract extended beyond its expiry date.
"I'm hoping that OCCOPS will investigate. I think there are a lot of questions that need to be answered," Nunziata said.
Citing information in media reports, the group contends "we are led to believe" that the board last fall agreed to extend Fantino's contract, according to their letter to OCCOPS. Personnel matters such as contract extensions are addressed in private by city council and its boards and commissions.
However, the board -- with some members appointed after November's election -- rejected a call in June to extend the chief's tenure in a 3-3 vote.
The group takes the position that there was a "de facto" agreement before the June vote to extend Fantino's contract, according to the letter.
Margo Boyd, senior investigator for OCCOPS, said members of the group's provincially appointed board will deal with the letter on Sept. 13.