Ontario's police oversight agency has made 37 recommendations to the Windsor Police Service and the board following complaints of a toxic work environment, bullying and unfair hiring and promotion practices.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission released its report Friday afternoon, after a nearly two-year investigation into the complaints. While the commission made several recommendations, there were no major findings of misconduct. The report also rejected allegations of corruption within the Windsor Police Service Board.
"We saw no evidence whatsoever that the board is corrupt or that its chair acts improperly," the commission said in its report.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said he welcomes the commission's recommendations and the board is committed to making improvements to the service.
"No large organization, especially one as complex as the police service, is infallible. In receiving this report, the board, and myself as chair acknowledge that room exists for improvement and we are committed to always striving to enhance the level of public service that we provide," said Dilkens, the who serves as chair of the Windsor Police Service Board.
Among the recommendations is the need for a new strategic plan that includes proactive measures to address racial diversity and gender inequality within the police force.
The commission also recommended re-evaluating promotion policies as police services move from more traditional, paramilitary models to community-based policing.
"Policing is changing, and the service needs to change with it. Very recent events, including George Floyd's death, the arrest of Minneapolis officers, and the protests that follow, undoubtedly reinforce the timeliness of reexamining competencies in policing," the OCPC said in its report.
The commission has also asked the Windsor Police Service and the board to report back on the implementation of each recommendation within a year's time.
"While the Service has already undertaken work on many of the issues identified, the recommendations will assist in directing the Service’s work towards a more respectful, harassment-free workplace that values equity and diversity, with appropriate supervision and oversight, and ongoing communication between senior leadership and the Service’s members," said a statement by Windsor Police Chief Pamela Mizuno.
A full copy of the commission's report and the 37 recommendations can be found here.
