:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/gta/2022/08/18/toronto-police-superintendent-suspended-after-alleged-incident-at-canadian-police-chiefs-conference/scott_baptist.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,0&ssl=1 "Toronto police superintendent suspended after alleged incident at Canadian police chiefs conference")
Toronto Superintendent Scott Baptist, a veteran officer and head of the force’s transit services division, was suspended after an alleged incident at a recent police conference in Quebec City, the Star has learned.
Toronto police did not confirm that Baptist has been suspended or is under investigation, but sources with knowledge of the incident say the officer is suspended and the subject of an investigation for professional misconduct. The sources spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details publicly.
Details of the alleged misconduct are unknown, but the incident reportedly occurred last week at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) conference in Quebec City and involves a whistleblower who is a civilian police employee. .
At the same conference, Baptist was honored with a lifetime achievement award, in recognition of his advocacy for highway safety.
Joseph Markson, the attorney representing Baptist, said his client “respects the investigative process.
“However, he strongly denies any wrongdoing.”
David Butt, the attorney representing the complainant, said he could not comment because the complaint is in its early stages.
Natalie Wright, a spokeswoman for the CACP, said in a statement to the Star that the CACP “is aware of the incident and an external investigation is underway.”
“We fully support and cooperate with this investigation. The CACP condemns any inappropriate and/or illegal behavior by police officers at any time, including at CACP events,” said Wright.
Toronto police spokeswoman Stephanie Sayer said Baptist has not been arrested or charged in any police jurisdiction. Under the Ontario Police Services Act, Toronto Police are “prohibited from confirming any information related to an investigation, including disciplinary action, unless criminal charges are filed or the matter proceeds to a hearing before the Ontario Disciplinary Tribunal.” Police and go public,” Sayer. she said.
Sayer confirmed to the Star earlier this week that another high-ranking official, Matt Moyer, has been named acting superintendent of Traffic Services.
Baptist is the third Toronto police superintendent, that is, a high-ranking senior officer, below chief and deputy, to be suspended for alleged misconduct in 2022.
In January, Toronto Police Superintendent. Riyaz Hussein was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and open drinking while driving following a two-car collision on the 401. Hussein also faces professional misconduct charges stemming from the alleged accident.
Also in January, Superintendent. Stacy Clarke was charged with professional misconduct under the Ontario Police Services Act, including breach of trust, dishonorable conduct and insubordination. The misconduct charges were filed after Clarke allegedly leaked sensitive information to a group of officers vying for promotion in late 2021, including sending images of interview questions, according to court documents.
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