OPP Chief Pick Fails Smell Test

Ontario’s Doug Ford government is in the spotlight regarding the selection of a 72-year-old Toronto Police Superintendent, who just happens to be a friend of Ford, being selected to head up the Ontario Provincial Police. That issue aside, and with 23 OPP candidates meeting the job requirements, there needs to be a more detailed explanation for the reasons to look beyond the OPP. If there are, and considering the wide range in OPP policing responsibilities, wouldn’t there be a reasonable expectation that an outside candidate be at the chief or deputy chief level. As the current situation does not pass the smell test, an independent review is essential for everyone to have confidence in the selection process.

Update:
Apparently Supt. Taverner, the Toronto Police officer under scrutiny regarding his selection as the new boss of the OPP, has requested that his resignation from the TPS be rescinded. His request was approved by the chief of the TPS. Taverner opted to retire from the TPS and there is no valid reason to have that decision reversed, especially when he has reached, and perhaps surpassed, the service point for pension.