Durham police lose bid to keep workplace reviews secret [Video]

A Toronto-area police service’s attempt to shield two workplace investigations from the public record amidst disciplinary proceedings against its deputy chief and allegations of a “poisoned” workplace environment has been dismissed by the courts.

In filings submitted to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice last week, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) sought to hide the two reports from being disclosed to the public, arguing the documents were privileged and confidential.

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The application was brought as part of an ongoing disciplinary case against the service’s Deputy Chief, Dean Bertrim, who was charged with deceit under the Police Services Act back in 2023.

The Ontario Police Civilian Commission charged Bertrim following an investigation into allegations that he made a false statement while testifying as part of a motion to dismiss Police Services Act charges against two officers in 2018.

A year earlier, Bertrim …