Inspector General Memo #9: Province-Wide Inspection on Police Integrity and Anti-Corruption Practices
| TO: |
All Chiefs of Police and Commissioner Thomas Carrique, C.O.M. Chairs, Police Service Boards
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| FROM: |
Ryan Teschner, Inspector General of Policing of Ontario
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| DATE: | February 9, 2026 |
| SUBJECT: |
Inspector General Memo #9: Province-Wide Inspection on Police Integrity and Anti-Corruption Practices
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On February 5, York Regional Police announced the results of Project South, a complex criminal investigation into organized crime and corruption. The investigation identified serious allegations and resulted in the arrest of several current and former members of the Toronto Police Service and has prompted broader concerns about the integrity and public confidence in policing.
It is essential that these concerns are addressed directly, examined independently and handled in a manner that strengthens public trust. This is a responsibility the Inspectorate of Policing takes seriously.
After considering a request from the Toronto Police Service and the Toronto Police Service Board, I will be initiating a province-wide inspection on police integrity and anti-corruption practices. While the scope of the inspection is still to be finalized, it will focus on five defined areas, with the ability to examine additional areas should they arise:
- Supervision and span of control, including how officers are supervised and how effective that supervision is;
- Screening and vetting of police officers both at recruitment and on an ongoing basis;
- Access to police databases and information systems, including permissions, controls and clearances;
- Evidence and property management practices; and
- Substance abuse and fitness for duty.
Given the scope of this inspection and the importance of it being conducted in a timely manner, I will appoint an individual external to government to serve as lead inspector. Upon completion, the inspector will submit a report outlining their independent findings. I will review the report to determine whether there has been any non-compliance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, including a failure to provide adequate and effective policing. If there has been non-compliance, I will determine whether to issue any legally binding Directions to ensure compliance and improve performance across Ontario’s policing system.
As the Inspectorate of Policing’s work moves forward, I encourage you to evaluate your policies, procedures and practices as they relate to the five issues identified. To the extent you may identify vulnerabilities and approaches to address them in your own organization, please continue to engage the Inspectorate of Policing through your Police Services Advisor for support and guidance as needed. As always, our Police Services Advisors are there to help you navigate emerging issues, provide guidance, and support your compliance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. Finally, and importantly, as this work unfolds, my team will be careful and thoughtful in both our planning and execution to avoid compromising any ongoing criminal or other proceedings. I will keep the policing sector apprised as planning for this inspection evolves.
I take seriously our shared responsibility to maintain public confidence in the strength and integrity of Ontario’s policing system.
Sincerely,
Ryan Teschner
Inspector General of Policing of Ontario
c: Mario Di Tommaso, O.O.M.
Deputy Solicitor General, Community Safety