Both the Durham Regional Police Service Board and the DRPS Chief have issued statements following the suspension of a high-ranking police officer who allegedly used a racially-inappropriate term.
The Police Service says an unnamed deputy chief used offensive language during a meeting of the service’s Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network.
The deputy chief has been suspended with pay while an independent investigation is conducted.
The Police Service says an unnamed deputy chief used offensive language during a meeting of the service’s Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network.
The deputy chief has been suspended with pay while an independent investigation is conducted.
Read the statements below:
Statement by the Police Service Board – Misconduct Investigation into Deputy Chief
On February 25, 2026, the Durham Regional Police Service Board became aware of alleged misconduct by a Deputy Chief. A Special Meeting of the Board took place at the earliest opportunity, in order for the Board to consider the matter as expeditiously as possible and exercise its responsibilities under the Community Safety and Policing Act.
The Deputy Chief is alleged to have used a racially inappropriate term during an internal support network meeting, attended by sworn and civilian members of the DRPS. This alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party with the firm objective of ensuring accountability and demonstrating the Board’s unwavering commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Board and Chief Moreira are committed to ensuring that the DRPS demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and conduct that earn the trust and confidence of the community.
The Deputy Chief has been suspended with pay pursuant to the provisions of the CSPA, while the investigation occurs. No further comments will be made by the Board, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Deputy Chief is alleged to have used a racially inappropriate term during an internal support network meeting, attended by sworn and civilian members of the DRPS. This alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party with the firm objective of ensuring accountability and demonstrating the Board’s unwavering commitment to the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The Board and Chief Moreira are committed to ensuring that the DRPS demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism and conduct that earn the trust and confidence of the community.
The Deputy Chief has been suspended with pay pursuant to the provisions of the CSPA, while the investigation occurs. No further comments will be made by the Board, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Statement from Chief Peter Moreira
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) had an incident during a meeting of the Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network (ACC-ISN) where a Deputy Chief used language, although not directed at anyone, that was offensive and inconsistent with our values.
We recognize the impact words can have, regardless of intent. DRPS remains firmly committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive environment where all members feel valued, safe, and supported.
Upon becoming aware of the incident, I informed the Durham Regional Police Service Board. The Board is responsible for the discipline of Command and has decided to suspend the Deputy Chief with pay pursuant to the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act while an independent investigation is conducted.
DRPS is committed to transparency to foster trust with our community, and we recognize that this requires sharing even challenging information as it pertains to our Service.
We are committed to learning and growing as a Service.
