The president of the professional association that represents Windsor police officers is concerned about the high number of human rights complaints filed against the Windsor Police Service.
A report obtained by the CBC shows there have been 28 complaints made to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal between 2008 and 2018. That is the fifth highest per capita of Ontario's largest 16 police services.
Windsor police Chief Al Frederick refused BlackburnNews.com's request for an interview but did issue a statement.
"The Windsor Police Service can confirm that there have been complaints received from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and that there are ongoing matters scheduled," he said. "The board and service is cooperating fully with the ongoing matters, as such is unable to comment respecting the confidentiality of the process and the integrity of the hearings."
A statement regarding the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigations read similarly.
Jason DeJong with the Windsor Police Association will not comment on any of the current investigations or hearings underway against the police service.
"These matters have not formally come to the association to act upon," he explained. "So, we have not grieved any of this issues to management."
The commission is investigating three complaints filed by former Staff Sergeant Christine Bissonette alleging unfair promotion practices, discrimination and a toxic workplace. There are two other ongoing complaints.
DeJong admitted the high number is troubling.
"The association is always concerned when there are issues in the workplace, and it is something that we will be monitoring, looking to the outcome of these complaints and what recommendations flow from the complaints," he said.
He also admitted he is looking forward to the outcome of the investigations.
"There's always room for improvement in any workplace," DeJong said. "If there's recommendations to improve the workplace, then certainly I think the service will comply, and the association will do what we can to facilitate those improvements."
