High-ranking Toronto cop demoted for promotions cheating scandal
Stacy Clarke can apply to be reinstated as superintendent in two years, according to ruling
Article content
The first female Black superintendent in Toronto Police history has been demoted for her role in a 2021 promotions cheating scandal.
But Stacy Clarke, who engaged in a cheating scheme to help fellow Black cops vying for promotion, remains a senior officer within the service under her reduced rank of inspector.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
High-ranking Toronto cop demoted for promotions cheating scandal Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
And she can apply to be reinstated to the rank of superintendent in two years, according to a ruling announced at her disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.
Clarke’s actions brought “unwanted publicity” and caused “irreparable damage” to Toronto Police, hearing officer Robin McElary-Downer said in determining the 26-year veteran must be busted to the rank of inspector for 24 months.
McElary-Downer said there is no question Clarke earned her superintendent rank, “but that rank is a privilege, not a right.”
However, she believes the single mom of two possesses “outstanding leadership qualities,” making her a suitable candidate to be reinstated to superintendent down the road.
Clarke previously admitted during her tribunal that she fed questions and answers to six officers she was mentoring who had applied to become sergeants. She was also part of the panel that interviewed one of the six without disclosing he was a family friend.
However, Clarke claimed she only helped the officers because she was fed up with anti-Black racism within the service and she was tired of seeing good candidates unable to get ahead.
She pleaded guilty last fall to seven counts under the Police Service Act, including three counts each of breach of confidence and discreditable conduct.
Clarke’s lawyer, Joseph Markson, had asked the hearing officer to consider the “context” of the racism she’s faced and demote her to inspector for 12 to 18 months before automatically reinstating her to superintendent.
Counsel for Toronto Police, Scott Hutchison, suggested Clarke should be demoted two ranks to staff sergeant for 12 months and then to inspector for another year before being allowed to return to the rank of superintendent.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
tap here to see other videos from our team.
In her decision, McElary-Downer pointed out that Clarke only raised her concerns of anti-Black racism and the failure of good candidates to get ahead after she was caught.
She also found it troubling that Clarke committed the “very serious misconduct” within 10 months of being promoted to superintendent.
McElary-Downer looked at numerous other cases of cheating within policing before deciding on a fitting punishment, taking aspects such as Clarke’s intentions into consideration.
She said Clarke deserves credit for recognizing her misconduct, accepting responsibility and apologizing.
McElary-Downer also made a point of stating Clarke didn’t cheat for her own advancement – she did it because she wanted her mentees to be successful.
But Clarke’s mentees ultimately paid a price for her actions, she said.
“Her fingerprints will forever be etched on their damaged careers,” McElary-Downer said.
The hearing officer also gave considerable weight to the damage Clarke’s violation of the public trust and abuse of power caused to the police service.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
tap here to see other videos from our team.
After reading aloud numerous headlines from the last few years, McElary-Downer said the news reports were “damning” and “will live in perpetuity on the internet.”
Clarke, who previously apologized to police and her community for not taking the “right path,” spoke briefly to reporters as she left headquarters Wednesday.
“I’m just very disappointed and very sad about it,” she said of her ordeal.
“There’s a lot of people who have shared these types of experiences and so, you know, but I’m looking forward to moving forward. There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done and I’m confident that we’ll get it done.”
She refused to say if she plans to appeal the decision.
“I’m just going to take some time with my family – we’ll just let it go through, what needs to be done, and think about what the next steps are,” Clarke said. “But it is what it is.”
Following the conclusion of the tribunal, which has been monitored closely by the Black community, Toronto Police released a statement saying leaders within the service are “held to the highest standards of conduct” and any allegations of misconduct are taken “seriously.
“We acknowledge this case brought forward a number of issues that the service is addressing,” police said. “The service has implemented significant reforms in recent years. Hiring and promotional processes were overhauled and our workforce is diversifying at all ranks.”
Police said the changes are “part of many actions we have committed to as part of our comprehensive equity strategy.
“We are committed, in partnership with the Toronto Police Service Board, to meaningful change and continuous improvement to create a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace,” Chief Myron Demkiw said. “As a service, we are listening. We continue to acknowledge that while we are on a path of change, more needs to be done to build trust with our communities and our members.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.