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Toronto Police Chief asks OPP for independent review and orders internal review of plainclothes procedures

Apr. 22, 2024, Toronto, Ont. – Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has requested that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conduct an independent review as a result of the adverse comments made by Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy in the trial regarding the death of Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup.

Whenever the Toronto Police Service becomes aware of concerns raised by the judiciary, its governance requires that a review be conducted with respect to officer testimony, conduct, procedures, practices, and training.

Toronto Police Officers know that trust must be earned every single day with every thing they do. Without trust, policing becomes infinitely more difficult.

Today, Chief Demkiw has also ordered a full internal review of all aspects of plainclothes policing, including equipment and procedures for officer and public safety.

On Friday, July 2, 2021, Detective Constable Jeffrey Northrup, from 52 Division, was working in plainclothes when he was struck by a car and killed in the line of duty. After three days of deliberations, the jury found the accused not guilty.

In his statement yesterday, Chief Demkiw said that the Service respects the judicial process and appreciates the work of the 12 citizens who sat on a very difficult case. As the Crown stated, the events surrounding Detective Constable Northrup’s “tragic death warranted a trial to determine accountability.”

Trials can provide hope for some sense of closure for those impacted by traumatic events.

“As I have done my whole career, I respect the judicial process and I accept the decision of the jury. Perhaps closure in a tragic event of this magnitude will come with time. As Chief, I was acknowledging the emotions many of us were feeling, while struggling with the death of a fellow officer, but of course, closure can never come at the expense of justice,” said Chief Myron Demkiw.

“Now our focus turns to healing and ensuring all members have the support they need to safely serve the people of Toronto.”