STATEMENT FROM CHIEF THAI TRUONG
Member conduct investigation 

LONDON, ON (September 28, 2026) – Late this afternoon, I was made aware of a video that raises concerns regarding the conduct of some members of our service.  The video shows those members leaving a restaurant and entering an unmarked police vehicle, with alcohol visible inside.  The video shows a service-issued firearm stored in circumstances that raise concerns.  The incident occurred in Toronto on June 24, 2026, following a police funeral.   

As Chief of Police, I have personally viewed the video and have taken immediate action. I have directed that the matter be reported to the Toronto Police Service for investigation into the circumstances involving the handling and storage of the police firearm.  At the conclusion of the criminal investigation, the overall conduct of the members involved will be investigated pursuant to the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act. 

Given the seriousness of the circumstances, one senior officer has been suspended with pay pending further investigation.  At this stage of the investigation, the statutory criteria under the Community Safety and Policing Act that would permit me to suspend the officer without pay have not been met.

A suspension with pay should not be interpreted as minimizing the seriousness of the matter.  It reflects the legal framework that governs the authority of a Chief of Police at this stage of the proceedings.  This administrative measure is not a finding of criminal or professional misconduct.

Police officers are entrusted with significant authority and responsibilities.  With that comes an expectation that we will conduct ourselves in a manner that maintains the confidence of the community we serve.  Those expectations apply to every member of our Service and are especially important for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.

At the same time, every member is entitled to a fair and impartial process.  These investigations will establish all of the relevant facts, and I will not prejudge their outcome.

As Chief of Police, when information comes to my attention that raises serious concerns about the conduct of our members, I have a responsibility to act fairly, decisively and in accordance with the law.

To protect the integrity of the investigations, I will not comment further on the specific evidence at this time.  We will provide additional information when it is appropriate to do so.