13-18 Anonymous Reporting of Discreditable Conduct Flashcards
What is the Rationale?
The Toronto Police Service (Service) recognizes that it is in the public interest to foster and maintain confidence in the honesty and integrity of the Service and its members. In order to achieve that goal, s. 1.3 of the Service Standards of Conduct (Standards of Conduct) directs members to report acts of discreditable conduct to a supervisor, a Unit Commander or the Unit Commander – Professional Standards (PRS) as soon as practicable. Further, s. 1.4 of the Standards of Conduct prohibits any acts of reprisal against any member who, in good faith, reports a breach of Service or Legislative Governance or an act of misconduct.
The Service also recognizes that there may be circumstances where members may be reluctant to identify themselves when reporting discreditable conduct. Therefore, PRS can receive information anonymously on a dedicated telephone line. The telephone number 416–343–7090 is available between the hours of 0800 and 1600 each business day.
Procedure- General - The Anonymous Reporting of Discreditable Conduct Program (Program) allows for the
anonymous, good faith reporting of criminal activity or misconduct
Procedure- General -This Procedure is not intended to replace the legislated criteria established in the Police Services Act, or the steps outlined for internal complaints governed by Chapter 13. Rather, this Procedure is intended to
supplement the foregoing and provide an avenue for members who want anonymity in relation to the information they may possess. To this end, the Service has introduced the Program to receive this information.
Procedure- General -Before considering the use of the anonymous reporting system, members should be cautioned that the Service cannot guarantee
total anonymity from outside sources. In particular the courts may supersede any privilege extended by the Command to members. However, the Crime Stoppers Program can claim privilege from disclosing information based on a Supreme Court of Canada decision.
Investigative Responsibility - Investigation of incidents containing information received through anonymous reporting SHALL be
exclusively assigned to members of the PRS.
Protections - A member is prohibited from disclosing any information received from anonymous reporting that might
identify or tend to identify a person who made the disclosure, unless authorized to do so.
Protections - Professional Standards investigators hold a supervisory rank and therefore a member utilizing the anonymous reporting process SHALL be deemed to be
in compliance with s. 1.3 of the Standards of Conduct.
Member - When anonymously reporting information pertaining to an act of misconduct by another member, may report the information by way of the
dedicated telephone line at 416–343–7090.
Member - Unless authorized to do so, SHALL not disclose any information received from
anonymous reporting that might identify or tend to identify a person who made the disclosure
Member - Upon receiving a request for disclosure of information contained in a TPS 909 SHALL immediately direct the request to the attention of the
Unit Commander – Legal Services.
Member – Professional Standards - When receiving information through anonymous reporting SHALL complete a
TPS 909.
Investigator/Case Manager – Professional Standards - In addition to those duties specified in Procedures 13–02, 13–03 and 13–09 SHALL
ensure the completed TPS 909 is not photocopied
ensure the completed TPS 909 is placed in the unit file
not remove the TPS 909 from the unit file unless directed by a court order
refer to the information source in any subsequent reports, documents or records as the “anonymous police informant”
Definitions - Misconduct
means any conduct that is contrary to or a breach of any Legislative or Service Governance or the Police Services Act.
Definitions - Service Governance includes:
Police Services Board Policies and By-laws
Toronto Police Service Collective Agreements
Standards of Conduct
Service Governance Definitions
Policy and Procedure Manual
Routine Orders
specialized manuals issued by the Chief of Police
unit-specific policies issued by their Unit Commander
CPIC messages, and
directions from a superior.