In a revealing turn of events at a Toronto police tribunal, the lawyer for Superintendent Stacey Clarke, the first Black female superintendent in Toronto Police Service history, argued that her involvement in helping officers cheat on a promotions exam was an act of desperation rooted in systemic mistreatment and a slow pace of change within the force.
During the tribunal held on May 6, 2024, Joseph Markson, Clarke’s lawyer, presented a compelling narrative of a high-ranking officer overwhelmed by her professional environment. He stated that Clarke was driven by a need to support Black officers, whom she felt were consistently overlooked for promotions due to systemic discrimination.
Clarke, who has served for over 26 years, pleaded guilty last fall to seven counts of professional misconduct related to her distribution of exam materials to six constables. This action, according to her lawyer, was a misguided attempt to level the playing field in a service struggling with anti-Black racism.
The Toronto Police Service, represented by lawyer Scott Hutchison, proposed a demotion of two ranks for a year, followed by reinstatement as inspector, not returning Clarke to her current rank of superintendent immediately. In contrast, Markson advocated for a temporary demotion to inspector with automatic reinstatement to superintendent after one year, arguing it would serve the best interests of the community and the police service.
The hearing, attended by about 60 of Clarke’s supporters, also heard Clarke’s personal statement, where she expressed deep remorse for her actions but sought to contextualize her decisions against her experiences of racism and lack of support within the force.
The outcome of the tribunal, set to include testimonies from key figures including former TPS Chief Mark Saunders and Clarke herself, will determine the final disciplinary measures for a career marked by pioneering achievements and now, controversy.