POLICE ON HOOK

Drug Squad Probe Costing Millions

An RCMP-led internal affairs probe into alleged corruption in the
Toronto Police drug squad has cost Toronto taxpayers over $3 million,
the head of Toronto Police Services Board says.

"This is all money coming out of our own internal budget," Norm
Gardner said, noting that 25 internal affairs detectives have been
seconded to the probe since it began in August 2001.

Sources say tens of thousands of dollars have already been shelled out
in legal settlements and taxpayers could ultimately be on the hook for
millions in legal fees and settlements.

But Gardner said the police service cannot avoid the costs.

"It's something you have to do ... in order to ensure you have a
corruption-free department. It is something you have to spend money
on," he said.

The secretive task force, headed by RCMP Staff Supt. John Neily, has
yet to lay any criminal charges against former officers of the Central
Field Command drug squad, many of whom are named in numerous citizen
complaints and civil lawsuits.

In the past two years, hundreds of drug charges laid by central field
command drug officers have been either stayed or withdrawn by
prosecutors.

City legal staff have quietly settled several lawsuits without
admitting fault.

Gardner refused to comment about the task force probe. He said he has
to stay "arm's length" from the investigation.

He said any budget discussions were held in camera and cannot be
revealed publicly.

Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino, who initiated the probe, said the
task force probe is "still proceeding".

"They are still working on these issues and it will be resolved in
good order. I am confident it will be history and we will move
forward," Fantino said.

"My concern is that it be done properly. Timing to me is not as
important as the investigation be done and that all of the issues will
be addressed."