BlackburnNews.com file photo of Windsor police headquarters. (Photo by Jason Viau)BlackburnNews.com file photo of Windsor police headquarters. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Windsor

Police complete recommendations after investigation into workplace culture

A new report suggests Windsor Police have implemented all 37 recommendations made after a review of its workplace culture.

The Ontario Civilian Police Commission made those recommendations following an investigation that spanned almost two years into allegations of bullying, unfair hiring and promotion practices, and whether administrators had allowed a poisonous work environment to flourish. It received complaints from within the service between January 2018 and April 2018.

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick hold up a picture of the drug lock-up at its headquarters, March 31, 2017. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld) Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick hold up a picture of the drug lock-up at its headquarters, March 31, 2017. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)

The probe also included the circumstances surrounding a 911 call made from former Police Chief Al Frederick's home in the fall of 2018.

In 2020, the oversight body said it found "no major findings of misconduct" and rejected allegations of corruption.

At the time, Windsor Mayor and Police Services Board Chair Drew Dilkens said the service was open to improvements.

"No large organization, especially one as complex as the police service, is infallible," he said.

The recommendations are wide-ranging and cover a host of issues. They include developing guidelines for when investigations of officers should be internal or external, taking another look at competencies for promotion, removing barriers for women and racialized recruits, and conducting anonymous surveys and exit interviews to gauge staff morale.

The list of recommendations and actions taken by the Windsor Police Service is on its website.

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