'Apparent failure' of Windsor police board in dealing with chief's racist remarks, police group says

Following an investigation that substantiated claims Windsor's police chief made racist comments in the workplace, a provincial group representing police unions is condemning those remarks and pointing to an "apparent failure" of the oversight board tasked with providing accountability.

On Monday, CBC News published information based on a summary of an internal investigation into racism complaints against Windsor police chief Jason Bellaire. That investigation was finished in January.

The internal probe substantiated allegations that Bellaire made comments that violated Windsor police directives, according to the summary, which didn't specify what remarks he's said to have made.

Inspector Ed Armstrong filed that internal complaint. He also filed a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario complaint outlining his allegations.

Armstrong described several racist comments he said Bellaire made to him at work, including a joke about bananas and Black people, asking him to use his "Black magic" and saying he needed a "Black friend" to accompany him to certain events.

Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, said the group "condemns" such comments.

"This kind of behaviour erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the work of police service members to ensure the safety and security of our communities," he said in a statement.

"People in Windsor deserve to know that the chief of police — the head of the police service — is being held to the highest standard, is not discriminating against his service members and is serving all people equitably inclusive of race," he added.

The advocacy organization represents the members of 45 police unions across Ontario — some 31,000 officers and civilian employees.

Both Armstrong and Bellaire did not respond to requests from CBC News for a comment.

Leadership in policing must be held to the highest standard ...- Mark Baxter, president of Police Association of Ontario

When asked in an email to confirm whether the allegations against Bellaire were substantiated, Windsor police spokesperson Gary Francoeur said "The information in your message is not entirely accurate."

He refused to clarify what he meant, stating he can't comment further because it's before the human rights tribunal.

A spokesperson for the Windsor Police Services Board wouldn't answer questions about what consequences, if any, Bellaire will face for his comments that violated internal directives.

"The Windsor Police Service Board will make no comment on personnel matters regarding a specific employee," said Norma Coleman, Windsor police board administrative director.

The PAO is demanding "full transparency" so the Windsor police board can "restore confidence in their leadership."

"Equally concerning is the apparent failure of the Windsor Police Services Board to take swift and decisive action in holding the chief accountable. Leadership in policing must be held to the highest standard, and when those in positions of power fail to uphold those values, it sends a damaging message to members and the communities we proudly serve," said Baxter.

'Lack of transparency' is deeply concerning, says PAO

The union representing Windsor police officers, the Windsor Police Association, previously told CBC News that it too is seeking accountability from the board.

"What I do find troubling is that the police services board has been aware of this issue for several weeks and has yet to address it, either with my membership or the public. This lack of transparency and action is deeply concerning," president Kent Rice said.

Windsor police board chair Jo-Anne Gignac has not responded to requests from CBC News for a comment.

The city councillor became the board chair in January.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.