TORONTO -- Toronto’s scandal-plagued police force took another step Tuesday to try to shore up its tarnished image, with its chief offering to be the first to undergo recommended random drug testing.
George Ferguson, the retired Ontario judge who wrote a report on how to clean up corruption on the city’s force, has agreed to oversee the implementation of his 32 recommendations, which include random drug testing of officers, Chief Julian Fantino told a news conference.
Ferguson can also make further recommendations, Fantino said.
''His greatly expanded mandate will accelerate our process of change,’' he said. ''I believe the people of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service will be the winners as a result.’'
Ferguson’s report on the force was commissioned by Fantino because of allegations against the now-disbanded drug squad, which led to criminal charges against six officers earlier this year.
The recommendations included moving the internal affairs department out of headquarters so it would have more independence, mandatory drug testing for officers in certain sensitive positions, and more aggressive and thorough background checks for potential recruits.
Some of Ferguson’s recommendations have already been implemented, but others, such as the mandatory drug testing, have not been.
Ontario’s Human Rights Code states random drug testing can only be used in ''limited circumstances’’ and is an obstacle in this case, Ferguson suggested.
''I asked them if they would give me a preliminary opinion on the matter and they turned me down,’' he said.
But Ferguson expressed confidence that random tests will eventually be approved and Fantino vowed to set an example.
''I’ll be the first one to volunteer to undergo random drug tests,’' Fantino said a day after four officers were charged under the Ontario Police Services Act.
The 14 charges, which included corrupt practices, are over allegations that some officers were linked to a used-car dealership that was believed to be a conduit for money-laundering.
One of those charged is one of the sons of former police chief William McCormack.
The six drug squad officers charged in January face 22 criminal counts.
They’re accused of everything from drug dealing to shaking down witnesses and falsifying search warrants.
Fantino has said he expects charges against more officers in a third probe.