Keeping Kroetsch

The Hamiltonian maintains a neutral stance regarding the outcome of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission’s investigation into a complaint alleging a breach of its Code of Conduct by Ward 2 Councillor Cameron Kroetsch. However, we find the prolonged duration of the process—during which Councillor Kroetsch remains suspended from his role on the Hamilton Police Services Board—concerning and arguably bordering on unfairness.

In the interest of public accountability and transparency, we reached out to the Ontario Solicitor General  Inspectorate of Policing.for an update on the status of the investigation. Below is the Q\&A exchange:

In March 2024, Councillor Kroetsch was temporarily suspended by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) in response to a complaint alleging a breach of its code of conduct. We understand that additional factors may have emerged during the course of the investigation, further shaping its scope. 

Over a year has now passed, and members of the Hamilton community may reasonably question why the matter remains unresolved. Given that Councillor Kroetsch has, during this time, been unable to fully carry out his responsibilities on the Police Services Board, does the protracted timeline raise concerns for you regarding the composition and functioning of the Board? Additionally, can you advise whether the matter is nearing resolution?

Please note: We are not requesting details of the investigation, which we fully recognize are confidential. Our questions are limited to the process and anticipated timelines for outcome.

The Inspector General of Policing, supported by the staff at the Inspectorate of Policing (IoP), is mandated to advise, monitor, and inspect police services, police service boards, Ontario Provincial Police detachment boards and special constable employers to ensure compliance with Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA) and its regulations. The IoP is also mandated to deal with complaints about adequate and effective policing, the policies and services of boards and chiefs of police, and allegations of misconduct by police service board members. Where the Inspector General determines there has been non-compliance by a police service, board or board member, they have the authority to issue direction or measures to address the non-compliance.

The IoP’s Police Service Advisors actively monitor and provide advice to municipal police service boards, such as the Hamilton Police Service Board, to assist with meeting their legislative obligations and navigating local issues within the CSPA framework. Despite Member Kroetsch's current suspension, the Board maintains a quorum, continues to meet regularly, and makes decisions in its meetings.

Matters that were referred to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) prior to the CSPA coming into force do not generally fall under the Inspector General’s purview. For more information about OCPC's investigation and process, please contact the OCPC via Tribunals Ontario at Media.TO-TDO@ontario.ca.

The Hamiltonian thanks the Inspector General of Policing staff for their reply, but remains concerned. While the response provides a general overview of the Inspectorate of Policing’s (IoP) mandate and clarifies that the matter falls outside its jurisdiction because it was referred before the new legislation took effect, it fails to address whether the matter is nearing resolution. Further, we initially approached the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency of Ontario (LECA), who referred us to the Inspector General of Policing

We continue to hope that a fair and timely outcome will be reached. While the Inspector General of Policing’s office rightly notes that the Police Services Board continues to meet, maintains quorum, and makes decisions as required, it remains true that each Board member—Councillor Kroetsch included—brings a unique and valuable perspective to the table. At present, Councillor Kroetsch is unable to contribute his voice to these important discussions and decisions.