An advocacy group against racism is urging an investigation into the Ontario Provincial Police’s recruitment practices following complaints from three recruits who claimed they faced anti-Black racism in separate regions. The Black Class Action Secretariat is requesting the Ontario Inspector General of Policing to scrutinize the OPP’s training and assessment procedures to ensure they are free from bias based on recruits’ race, accents, and cultural backgrounds. They also seek a review of OPP-wide data categorizing recruits who are retained or dismissed by race.
Alain Babineau, the group’s director of advocacy and francophone affairs, expressed concerns during a press conference, stating that while the OPP has professed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, there are shortcomings. Babineau emphasized the importance of not just having a diverse workforce but ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and inclusively.
The Ontario Provincial Police responded by acknowledging the Black Class Action Secretariat’s concerns but refrained from discussing specific employment matters. Sgt. Joe Brisebois emphasized the OPP’s dedication to fostering open, accessible, equitable, and respectful workplaces, striving to mirror the diverse communities it serves. He assured that all allegations of harassment or discrimination are treated seriously and handled confidentially.
The advocacy group initially contacted the Ontario Inspector General of Policing on Sept. 21 regarding three recruits from different regions in Ontario who alleged discrimination based on accents and communication styles. The recruits claimed they were ridiculed, penalized for their accents, mocked for their food choices, and disciplined for behaviors that were deemed acceptable among white officers.
According to the group, two of the recruits were released during their probationary period, with one being informally notified just a week before completing the 12-month probation. The third recruit is on medical leave. One of the recruits, identified as Paul, recounted being unfairly judged for his speech patterns despite holding two master’s degrees. He detailed instances where his accent was made fun of and how he was falsely accused of misconduct, leading to a hostile work environment and a loss of confidence.
Another recruit, using the pseudonym John, shared his experience of being the only Black recruit at a detachment in southwestern Ontario. John highlighted instances where he felt unfairly treated compared to his colleagues, including reprimands for using GPS navigation and having his driving privileges revoked without explanation. He expressed feeling unwelcome and isolated at work.
A third recruit, referred to as Peter and currently on medical leave, mentioned being mocked by his sergeant for pronunciation and feeling constantly monitored without proper coaching. Peter described being reprimanded for using GPS navigation, a practice common among his white colleagues, leading to feelings of isolation and borderline depression.
Nicholas Marcus Thompson, president of the advocacy group, emphasized that these discrimination cases are not just internal issues but pose a public safety concern as they reflect how the OPP interacts with the community. The Inspector General of Policing is assessing the matter to determine appropriate next steps.
The recruits’ stories shed light on systemic issues within the Ontario Provincial Police recruitment and evaluation processes, raising questions about inclusivity, fairness, and diversity practices within the organization.
