Toronto Police Supt. Stacy Clarke apologizes for cheating scandal

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She’s sorry. But.

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For the first time since the scandal broke more than two years ago, Toronto Police Supt. Stacy Clarke spoke publicly about helping black officers cheat on their promotion exam, acknowledging that what she did was wrong and apologizing to police and her community for not taking the “right path.”

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“I deeply regret being here today,” Clarke told the disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.

But he also wanted to explain the “why.”

“If the ‘why’ wasn’t known, it would seem as if I were some kind of rogue vigilante officer. And I’m not,” she insisted. “I was overcome with emotion and frustration and, dare I say, desperation.”

In September 2023, the First black female superintendent in the history of the Toronto Police Service. pleaded guilty to seven charges under the Police Services Act. As agreed Statement of Facts, Clarke provided interview questions and response rubrics to six sergeant candidates whom she mentored while a member of promotional interview panels in 2021.

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He also admitted to conducting a mock interview with a close family friend over three days at his home that included questions taken from those asked during promotional interviews the previous week. Clarke later attended her interview and did not reveal her relationship.

How can a high-ranking police officer justify what she did? Unlike her fans who see her as a hero, Clarke admits that the ends do not justify the means she used to address what is obviously a well-known problem.

The court was told that only 1.7% of black candidates are promoted. But two wrongs don’t make a right, even in service to the almighty god of diversity, equity and inclusion.

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Clarke explained his frustration that after years of working internally on committees and finally fulfilling promises that the promotion process would be fairer and that black officers would finally have a level playing field and a chance to rise through the ranks, the plan approved by the TPS board to provide interview questions in advance to everyone was abruptly shelved without explanation.

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“It was very devastating,” Clarke explained.

A psychiatrist who examined her concluded that her “lived experiences of systemic racism and her experiences and frustration in addressing the challenges and barriers faced by black officers within the Toronto Police Service played an important and contributing role in influencing her misconduct, which is otherwise at odds with his style.” proven track record and good judgment throughout her tenure with the organization.”

Defense attorney Joseph Markson is asking that Clarke, who has an otherwise unblemished record, be demoted to the rank of inspector for one year to 18 months and then automatically restored to superintendent.

Prosecutor Scott Hutchison wants Clarke to be demoted two ranks to first sergeant and then required to reapply to become superintendent after two years.

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Clarke became emotional as she described how the scandal led to her being ostracized and subjected to a barrage of hateful comments on social media from other officers and even a threatening email. Instead of retiring, as some assumed she would, she is determined to move forward.

“This is a false step,” he insisted.

“I love my job. I love what I do. The idea that I can have an impact inside and out is of enormous value to me. And yes, some may say foolishly, but I still believe that we can do what we say we will.” to do”.

Some in the city are calling for her to be fired; others want her to be declared a saint.

Clarke told hearing officer Robin McElary-Downer that she is a human being who made a mistake that will not be repeated. “I have an exemplary record,” she said. “I deserved to be here. “He deserved to be superintendent.”

And he defiantly vowed to reach as high as he can as a police officer. “Make no mistake, this incident will not stop me. It shapes me, but it will not define me.”

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