REBEL COP AND BRASS TALK DEAL

Drug Probe Whistleblower Looks To Resolve Charges

Toronto Police have discussed a tentative "deal" with drug squad probe
whistleblower Sgt. Jim Cassells to resolve the internal charges
against him, Cassells' lawyer said yesterday.

After Cassells made a brief appearance before Supt. Bob Strathdee at
Toronto Police headquarters, Cassells' lawyer Leo Kinahan confirmed
that "discussions have been put forward ... but nothing concrete has
been arrived at."

The prospect of a deal means Cassells' allegations -- that internal
affairs officers and police brass minimized, ignored or brushed aside
corruption issues -- might never get a full public airing.

Cassells, a respected 30-year veteran, faces two charges of breach of
confidence and one charge of discreditable conduct under the Police
Services Act on allegations that he spoke to media without proper
authorization.

Kinahan refused to divulge the nature of the "discussions" outside the
police tribunal.

"We're just having very basic discussion on the whole thing," Kinahan
said.

But when asked if the deal is intended to make Cassells go away or
retire, Kinahan said going away is not in Cassells' plans.

"I think there are issues that have come to light that, regardless of
what happens to Jim Cassells, will still have to be addressed, in one
way or another," Kinahan said.

KEY INVESTIGATOR

Cassells was a key investigator on a 25-person-strong RCMP-led special
task force that probed allegations of thefts of drugs and cash,
assaults and the improper obtaining of search warrants and treatment
of confidential informants by officers in the Central Field Command
drug squad. Six drug squad cops face criminal charges and another four
were named as unindicted co-conspirators.

A total of 13 cops face charges under the Police Services
Act.

Kinahan said many outstanding issues remain if the case continues to
progress.

"We've made it clear from the outset that there should be an
independent hearing officer," Kinahan said.

Kinahan also seeks disclosure of several items, not the least of which
is a "procedural review" by York police Insp. Ron Tatz.

Toronto Police Services Board chairman Alok Mukherjee initially
promised the "results" of the review would be made public, but went
back on his word this fall.

Mukherjee and the board did not get the report, only a confidential
briefing by Blair.

The board put off a public inquiry indefinitely last month.

The criminal trial is scheduled for January 2008, but in the meantime,
prosecutors face a severe challenge for undue delay.