Stacy Clarke, the first Black female superintendent in the Toronto Police Service (TPS), has been demoted to the rank of inspector for two years.
This follows a scandal involving her role in assisting other Black officers in cheating during a promotional process.
This decision was made at a police tribunal hearing in downtown Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 28, marking a significant setback in Clarke’s otherwise stellar 26-year career with the service.
Clarke, who pleaded guilty to professional misconduct last year, must now serve as an inspector and will be required to reapply for her previous position as superintendent after the 24-month period.
The demotion comes after an investigation revealed that Clarke had provided confidential interview questions and answers to six Black constables she had mentored, in an attempt to help them succeed in their 2021 promotional interviews.
Career and Incident Background
Clarke, who ascended to the rank of superintendent in 2020, had previously held roles in TPS’s homicide and divisional policing units, and later at the Toronto Police College.
Her actions, which she claimed were motivated by a desire to combat what she described as “anti-Black systemic racism” within the force, have been widely criticized and described as a “cheating scheme” by Disciplinary Hearing Officer Robin McElary-Downer.
During the tribunal, McElary-Downer outlined the misconduct, including Clarke’s photographing of interview questions, sharing them with the mentees, and conducting mock interviews to prepare them.
These actions, McElary-Downer noted, significantly undermined public trust in Clarke and the Toronto Police Service as a whole.
Community Reaction and Future Implications
The Black community in Toronto has closely monitored the proceedings, expressing concerns about potential racial bias in the handling of Clarke’s case.
During a May hearing, community members warned that a harsh penalty could further strain the relationship between the police and the Black community.
Following the decision, Clarke expressed her disappointment, stating:
“I’m just very disappointed, I’m very sad about it,” outside police headquarters.
She also mentioned her plans to take time off with her 17-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son to process the outcome.
Clarke’s demotion and the scandal that preceded it have halted what had been a meteoric rise within the TPS. Having started her career in the community response unit, youth bureau, and intelligence unit, Clarke’s journey through the ranks was marked by numerous achievements, including her work on the Police and Community Review (PACER) project aimed at improving the TPS’s image and public trust.
