Retired judge reviewing Toronto police is with law firm that has police links

TORONTO – The retired judge retained to assist in an internal review of the Toronto police force following the death of an 18-year-old is a member of a law firm which has acted for Toronto officers in civil suits.

Police Chief Bill Blair announced Monday that Dennis O’Connor would help him in a review of police use of force in dealing with emotionally disturbed persons.

In a release Wednesday, Blair says the law firm O’Connor is with — BLG — has acted for the insurers of the Toronto Police Service in civil suits, some of which include allegations of the wrongful use of lethal force.

Blair says lawyers at BLG are currently acting on a number of such matters, but says he’s satisfied that O’Connor’s association with BLG will not impair his ability to provide sound advice in the review.

Blair stresses he hasn’t asked O’Connor to investigate or make factual findings about past incidents, but only review police policies, procedures, training, and equipment used by officers.

He called for the review following the case of Sammy Yatim, 18, who died last month after being shot and Tasered by police on an empty streetcar.

O’Connor could not be reached for comment on Wednesday evening.