TORONTO — Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has issued a strong warning to officers following newly released court documents containing serious allegations in the Project South police corruption investigation.
Demkiw said there is “zero tolerance for corruption” within the Toronto Police Service and warned that any officer involved in corrupt activity would be investigated and held accountable. He stressed that the allegations involve a small number of individuals and said the overwhelming majority of officers serve with integrity and professionalism.
The comments followed the release of a search warrant application containing allegations that some officers were recorded discussing or participating in activities including selling cocaine and police uniforms and planning illicit businesses. These claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Project South has also examined allegations that confidential information obtained through police databases was leaked and contributed to violent incidents, including an alleged attempt on the life of a Toronto South Detention Centre manager. Eight current and former police officers and more than a dozen civilians have been charged following an investigation led by York Regional Police.
Toronto Police Association president Clayton Campbell said members are frustrated and disappointed by the allegations but emphasized that those charged represent only a small fraction of Toronto’s roughly 9,000 uniformed officers and that the wider membership should not be judged collectively.
The Toronto Police Service has introduced anti-corruption measures aimed at strengthening supervision, tightening access to internal databases and reinforcing professional standards. The Toronto Police Services Board has also established an audit committee, while provincial policing oversight bodies have announced reviews.
Former Toronto detective Mark Mendelson described Project South as potentially one of the most serious corruption scandals in the service’s history and said the continuing revelations demonstrate the need for stronger safeguards and accountability.