Deputy police chief in Ontario region terminated after ‘N’ word used with Black officers, civilians

A deputy chief with Durham Regional Police who has been suspended with pay since late February for allegedly using the ‘N’ word during a meeting with during a meeting with Black officers and civilians, has had his employment terminated after a review by the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.

Deputy Chief Chris Kirkpatrick, who assumed his role after arriving from Toronto Police in 2023, has accepted a ruling from the Durham Regional Police Services Board that his “employment relationship be concluded.”

“Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick will not be returning to the workplace and is retiring from the Durham Regional Police Service, the Durham Police Services Board said in a statement. “The board has carefully reviewed the findings of the LECA investigation, which concluded that Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick’s actions constituted misconduct under the Community Safety and Policing Act.”

Former DRPS Deputy Chief Chris KIrkpatrick

Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira said the incident occurred during a meeting attended by uniformed police officers, civilians and members of the Afro-Caribbean organization, which worked with Durham Police to launch the Building Bridges youth program last year.

Moreira said the deputy chief “used language, although not directed at anyone, that was offensive and inconsistent with our values.”

Moreira said after learning of the incident he informed the Durham Regional Police Service Board, which is responsible for the discipline of senior officers, and the decision was made to suspend the deputy chief with pay – pursuant to the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act – while an independent investigation is conducted.

“DRPS is committed to transparency to foster trust with our community, and we recognize that this requires sharing even challenging information as it pertains to our service,” Moreira said. “We are committed to learning and growing as a service.”

The police services board, headed up by Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier, held a special meeting after learning of the incident before making its decision that the deputy chief would be suspended pending the investigation.

“This alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party with the firm objective of ensuring accountability and demonstrating the board’s unwavering commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Durham Region Chair John Henry, while acknowledging the region is not involved the process in investigating the incident, said he has spoken to Moreira about the use of language that is “not acceptable” by officers, especially those in command positions.

“Durham Region remains committed to fostering a community of inclusivity and respect. Racism is not tolerated in any form,” he said. “Language plays a role in creating safe spaces; building up those around us through respect and understanding.

“I condemn its use in the strongest terms.”

Ajax regional councillor Sterling Lee also chimed in on the February and demanded change at the Durham Regional Police Service, saying he has been asking Durham Police to address their “racial diversity problem” since he was first elected in 2018, adding the police service’s “unwillingness” to change their culture is “endemic” and immediate reform is needed.

“The deputy chief used the N-word,” Lee said. “That word carries the full weight of centuries of slavery, segregation, and racial violence against Black people specifically.”

The police services board agreed.

“As the civilian governing body of the DRPS, the board takes seriously its responsibility to uphold the public’s trust in policing. Ensuring that members of the leadership team are held to the highest standards of conduct is central to that responsibility. The board remains deeply committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and culture, and to ensuring that the DRPS reflects and respects the diverse communities it serves. These values are fundamental to how this Service operates and how it earns the trust of the public every day.”

“Through all of its actions and decisions, the board will continue to strive to uphold the confidence, trust and support of the community in fulfilling its responsibility to ensure the provision of adequate and effective policing in Durham Region.”

The Durham Regional Police Service Board is the civilian governing body of the Durham Police. Its responsibilities include establishing objectives for policing in consultation with the Chief of the Police, setting policies for adequate and effective policing and the administration of the Police Service, and hiring and monitoring the performance of the Chief of Police. The Board consists of seven members, three appointed by the Province of Ontario and four chosen by Regional Council.