Whistle blower's anonymity makes investigation impossible, police board says

Cobourg Police station. Photo by Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News.

By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News

Cobourg

Because serious allegations about the Cobourg Police Service were made anonymously, the Police Service Board has declared that no meaningful investigation of their veracity is possible.

The letter writer's anonymity, in the end, weighed more than his or her allegations.

A special meeting of the Cobourg Police Service Board Wednesday took only 10 minutes to explain why an anonymous letter full of serious allegations could not, in the end, be acted upon.

The unsigned letter came to Today's Northumberland Nov. 1 from someone claiming to be part of the Cobourg Police Services management team with specific allegations about members of the service, including “unethical practices, illegal activities, racism, sexism and cronyism” within the Cobourg Police Service.”

Certain officers were named, which Today's Northumberland did not share as the information had not been verified.

As Chief Paul VandeGraaf stated at this week's meeting, he had been asked at the Dec. 17 Police Service Board meeting to provide a report on the contents of the letter that would allow the board to assess this information.

“The matter has been thoroughly reviewed and reports provided to the board,” VandeGraaf said tersely.

“As such, as in every other human-resources report or investigation in closed session, nothing further will be shared by the police services at this time.”

Board chair Adam Bureau called the meeting “a moment that demands clarity, honesty and courage.”

In their closed-session meeting held four hours earlier, Bureau added, a final review was conducted “with care, attention and due diligence.”

When the letter was initially received Nov. 4, he recalled, the board acted decisively and immediately convened a special meeting, “unified in our purpose and responsibility to the community we serve, understanding the significance of these allegations.”

They also reviewed the limitations under the Community Safety and Policing Act in such cases. In short, an identifiable complainant is required in order for such a case to move forward.

Determined to exhaust every avenue, they sought legal counsel and the possibility of external investigation through other police services. The results were the same – the anonymous nature of the allegations prevented meaningful investigation.

“While anonymous complaints can sometimes bring forth legitimate concerns, that also limited our ability to conduct a fair, thorough and conclusive investigation. It becomes nearly impossible to substantiate claims, gather evidence and ensure due process for all parties involved.

“The board has adopted a clear policy moving forward. We will no longer act upon anonymous complaints,” he said.

“Transparency begins with an open dialogue. It ensures accountability from all involved, including those who raise concerns, individuals who come forward and stand before their allegations.

“The board has acted with diligence, care and respect for the seriousness of our role. We have consulted with legal experts, carefully considered every option available to us and approached this matter with the professionalism and responsibility that our community expects and deserves. We remain committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, mutual respect and open communications. Transparency is not just a guiding principle – it's the foundation of our work.”

Excerpts from the letter were shared by Today's Northumberland:

“As a member of the Management Team, I have witnessed numerous incidents that require urgent attention.”
“Throughout my tenure, I have gained the trust of several colleagues who have confided in me about their troubling experiences. To protect their identities and my own, I have chosen to remain anonymous.”

The writer states that reporting these issues “poses significant risks, including potential ostracization, damage to reputations, job loss and threats to personal safety.”

“While tasked with ensuring community safety, is struggling under a management structure that appears to prioritize cronyism over merit.”

The writer alleges a culture of “fear and misconduct” in certain areas of the service.

“My intent with this letter is not only to initiate a thorough investigation but also to shed light on the troubling dynamics within the Cobourg Police.”

“Morale within the Cobourg Police Service is alarmingly low. Last summer, 16 officers indicated intentions to transfer to other police services.”

Some officers interfered with this transition, the writer stated, “advising other services against hiring these officers.”

“Approximately 20% of employees are currently on mental health leave, yet the service has taken little action to address these concerns and improve morale.”

“The situation has deteriorated to the point where meaningful recovery seems nearly impossible.:
“The service's small size, combined with an entrenched 'old boys' club' mentality, makes impartial investigations unlikely.”

The writer named officers who are alleged to “have failed to uphold their oaths and act in the best interests of the Town of Cobourg. Their actions pose significant threats to both their colleagues and the community they serve,.”

“Concerns have also been raised about misappropriation of funds during the execution of search warrants.”
“CIB members reportedly do not wear body cameras during these operations, complicating efforts to substantiate claims of misconduct.”

“Moreover, there are complaints that members misused police resources for authorized surveillance of fellow officers.”

“I strongly recommend a thorough investigation by an independent third party. This letter aims to shed light on the troubling dynamics within the service. During a meeting last year, constables raised concerns directly with the Chief and Deputy Chief, but these concerns were disregarded.”

“The absence of proper scrutiny and accountability mechanisms has fostered an environment where officers are routinely accused of failing to adhere to the service's mission values. In reality, it is these individuals who have consistently fallen short.”

“I have no doubt that these individuals will go unpunished.”

“I implore you to consider these concerns seriously. A swift and confidential investigation is crucial to safeguard everyone involved and to restore trust in the Cobourg Police Service, particularly as the town becomes more multicultural.”

“I entrust this to you to take the necessary actions to mend a service that is in dire need of repair, with the hope that we can one day restore the motto of the service: Les Presidium Libertatis, The Law of the Protection of Liberty.”