SIU Launches Investigation into 2016 Sexual Assault by Durham Police

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has initiated an investigation into a historical sexual assault involving a member of the Durham police, which occurred in **September 2016**. The incident, previously unreported by the police service, came to light following a detailed report by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC), which outlined a toxic workplace culture within the Durham police force.

The OCPC’s investigation, which began in **May 2019**, found that senior leaders fostered an environment characterized by favoritism, harassment, and a fear of retaliation among officers. The report, delivered to the Durham police board on **July 30, 2023**, indicated that the assault took place in **Whitby**, and it was not reported by colleagues who were aware of it. The report does not disclose the identities of the victim or the suspect, as much of the **212-page** document remains redacted.

The findings highlighted that at least one officer was instructed not to contact the union regarding the incident and suggested that the victim might have been partially responsible for the assault. This alarming revelation has raised concerns about the culture within the service and its implications for officer safety and accountability.

In a statement, **Joanne McCabe**, a spokesperson for Durham police, noted that the current chief, **Peter Moreira**, who was not in his position at the time of the allegations, became aware of the incident in **July 2023**. Moreira confirmed he notified the SIU of the alleged assault on **October 29**, nearly three months after the service received the information. McCabe explained that the chief was still reviewing the extensive report and needed time to conduct an internal investigation before alerting the SIU.

“The delay was due to the comprehensive nature of the report, which contained numerous details the chief was just becoming acquainted with,” McCabe stated. She also indicated that further questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the OCPC, which had possessed the information for several years but did not inform the SIU.

The OCPC has since been dissolved as of **2025**, leaving many unanswered questions about the handling of this case and the broader implications for the Durham police force.

A Culture of Fear and Favoritism

The investigation into the Durham police was prompted by credible allegations that a small group of senior leaders had been creating a workplace atmosphere marked by favoritism and a lack of accountability. These leaders, all of whom have since resigned or retired, have consistently denied the allegations.

The OCPC’s final report included **33 formal recommendations** aimed at addressing the issues identified during the investigation. It revealed a workplace culture that was “rife with favoritism and cronyism,” where complaints were often mishandled, and those who raised concerns were subjected to reprisals. This environment has led to a significant erosion of trust among officers towards their superiors.

In response to the findings, both the Durham police board and Chief Moreira have stated that they have implemented significant reforms over the past two-and-a-half years. “I am not only taking steps to implement the recommendations,” Moreira noted, “but also proactively addressing additional issues that were not explicitly identified.”

As the SIU’s investigation into the **2016** sexual assault continues, it remains in the early stages, with neither subjects nor witnesses having been officially designated. The ongoing scrutiny of the Durham police’s internal culture and its impact on officer conduct will likely play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of both the investigation and the future of the police service itself.