Anti-racism group calls for investigation into OPP recruit evaluations

An anti-racism organization is calling for an investigation into how Ontario’s provincial police force assesses new recruits, as three Black recruits allege they faced racial discrimination during their year of probation. The Black Class Action Secretariat says it wants the province’s inspector general of policing to examine Ontario Provincial Police probationary evaluation and coaching practices as well as probationary outcome data across the force to look for racial disparities. The group’s director of advocacy says that while the OPP has an internal office that aims to ensure its policies and practices are inclusive, “the question is whether that commitment reaches the coach officer’s notebook, the probation file, and the release decisions.” In a news conference today at the provincial legislature, Alain Babineau said there are people within police ranks quietly deciding “who belongs in uniform and who does not.” The call for an investigation comes as the non-profit says three Black recruits stationed in different regions faced a “strikingly similar pattern of discrimination.” The OPP says it’s looking into those concerns.

The secretariat says the recruits, who are sharing the allegations under pseudonyms under fear of reprisals, were mocked and penalized for their accents and communication styles and disciplined for behaviours common among white officers. Two of the recruits were dismissed before the end of their probation period, while the other remains on medical leave, the group said. A spokesperson for the OPP said the force acknowledges the concerns raised by the Black Class Action Secretariat on behalf of the three recruits.

“We take these matters seriously and are reviewing the various concerns brought forth,” Staff Sgt. The force can’t comment on specifics when it comes to employment-related matters, he said. “What we can say is that the OPP is dedicated to ensuring open, accessible, equitable and respectful workplaces, and is committed to reflecting the diverse communities it serves,” as well as ensuring a workplace that fosters a safe and inclusive environment, he said.

“We do not condone or tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.” The Inspectorate of Policing, an independent oversight office that opened in 2024, acknowledged The Canadian Press’s request for comment Wednesday but did not immediately p…