DRPS Deputy Chief Suspended Over Racial Slur

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is facing a new internal crisis after a Deputy Chief was suspended for using a “racially inappropriate term” during an official meeting.

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The Incident

The remark was made earlier this week during a gathering of the Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network (ACCISN) in Ajax. The event was intended to support Black and Caribbean members of the force, making the use of offensive language particularly jarring for those in attendance.

Key Facts

• The Action: The Deputy Chief has been suspended with pay, as per standard provincial policing protocols.
• The Justification: Police Chief Peter Moreira stated that while the term wasn’t directed at a specific person, the language was “offensive and inconsistent” with the department’s core values.
• The Investigation: To maintain transparency, the Durham Regional Police Service Board has hired an independent third-party firm to conduct a full conduct review.

The Fallout

This suspension comes at a sensitive time for the DRPS, which has been working to repair its reputation following previous reports of a “poisoned work environment” and recent allegations of misconduct involving the treatment of Black citizens in the community.

“The impact of such language, regardless of intent, is significant. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect.” — Chief Peter Moreira