Supporters show up to defend senior Toronto police officer guilty of misconduct
There are almost no open seats in the auditorium at police headquarters today as the room filled with character, witnesses and supporters for Superintendent Stacy Clark. Among those in attendance was former police chief Mark Saunders and David McLeod, a retired Superintendent who worked with her. What I hope to communicate is that this is an act of desperation. Born out of years and years of lack of meaningful movement in the direction of equity in the organization, particularly as it relates to the promotional process, Yes, a few of us as blacks have been promoted, but not across the board. Not across the board. How you feeling? In 2023, Clark pled guilty to interfering in the Forces promotion process. She often acted as a mentor to other officers looking to be promoted. In 2021, she served on a three person panel interviewing officers looking to rise through the ranks. But use that position to share answers with interviewing’s, something her lawyer and supporters argued was done to level the playing field for black officers. She did not cheat. She is trying to better this organization as she has always done. Among those out to support Clark were members of the Jamaican Canadian Association, who bus dozens of members to police headquarters for the hearing. Former President Audrey Campbell testified in front of the tribunal. When we said, you know, we weren’t happy with something, she said. Yes, I know, but we’re working, we’re trying and This is why we’re all here, because she’s human and she has broken under this. Campbell says Clark helped bridge gaps between police and the black community and added the lack of promotions for black officers has been an issue for decades. The police’s prosecution isn’t looking for dismissal in Clarke’s case, instead arguing she should be demoted and forced to reapply for Superintendent, a move her supporters say would undo progress. I’m speaking for myself as a black man. I would interpret that as a. An effort to to stop the change that is really, really required and to put it in practice, Monday marked the first day of the hearing to determine Clarke’s punishment. Hearings will continue on Wednesday. Lane Harrison, CBC News, Toronto.