Durham police wants court to review watchdog amid misconduct investigation

The Durham Regional Police Service says it wants the court toreview the actions of Ontario's policewatchdog, amid an investigation into allegations of corruption andmisconduct in the police service and theappointment of an administrator to oversee the force.

Durham Police said the oversight agency, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC), "repeatedly refused" to share the complaints it's investigating with the police service.

TheOCPCappointed an administrator to oversee the service amid the investigation, which Durham Police Chief Paul Martin called"unwarranted" in a news release Tuesday.

Last month, Ontario's Ministry of theSolicitor General said it had asked thewatchdog to investigate allegations against Durham's police service and police services board.

The allegations include claims of "corruption, criminality and serious misconduct" all the way up to Durham's police chief," lawyer Peter Brauti,who is representing the seven official complainants, previously toldCBC News.

Martin said that while he supports a fair review, policecannot respond when they do not know the allegations.

In a statement last month however, Martin said he welcomed an "unbiased inquiry" sayingit was "unfortunate that policing resources must once again be expended, much of it on claims that have already been investigated."

Sean Dewart, lawyer for the police service, told CBC Newsthe force only came to know of some of the claims through media reports.

"My clients were happy to provide information to respond to these complaints. You know, not only were we not asked for our side of the story, we didn't even get the copies of the complaints, except the ones that were based at the Toronto Star."

Brautipreviously told CBC thatthe administrator brought in to oversee the force a former veteran Toronto deputy police chiefis being given some of the chief's "powers and authorities" and will be exercising them "instead of the chief."

The Durham police service is now calling for a court to review the appointment of that administrator.

Review should be 'fair, unbiased,' chief says

While Martin said hefully supports a "fair, unbiased, thorough and transparent review of complaints, the Service cannot respond to unknown allegations, and the appointment of an administrator to oversee specific work areas is unwarranted," the news release said.

The Durham Regional Police Service previously said it would "work closely" with the commission on the investigation and would support the administrator's work.

The police service also saidthe administrator hadresponsibilities in promotions and hiring; internal disciplinary matters; public complaints; and secondary employment applications.

The Durham Regional Police Serviceis asking the province's divisional court for the review.