The Thunder Bay Police Services Board has had some confidential information leaked in recent weeks.
After a couple of articles were released through a Toronto newspaper detailing confidential information, the TBPSB has asked the Integrity Commissioner (IC) for the Thunder Bay Police Services Board for advice.
In a multi-page response, the Integrity Commissioner references a few codes that members are to adhere to;
8. Board members shall uphold the letter and spirit of the Code of Conduct set out in this Regulation and shall discharge their duties in a manner that will inspire public confidence in the abilities and integrity of the board.
4. Board members shall keep confidential any information disclosed or discussed at a meeting of the board, or part of a meeting of the board, that was closed to the public.
13. Board members shall refrain from engaging in conduct that would discredit or compromise the integrity of the board or the police force.
It was also detailed in the response the type of considerations that could be taken during a breach of confidentiality:
- …disclosure of confidential closed session information may undermine a strategy developed by the Board
- …disclosure may put a chill on information that is brought to the Board for its consideration, on the basis that the authors of reports and advice intended to support the Board’s best interest considerations would be fearful that release of the information is inevitable
- Inappropriate disclosures of confidential information tend to destroy the mutual trust and respect that a deliberative body requires in order to carry out the democratic process of debate and decision making…
The report also reminded the Board of the use of “no comment” when being asked by media representatives on subjects they cannot discuss.
…its real purpose is to avoid obstructing or influencing the proper processes of the judicial body,
It also makes mention that the release of confidential documents as well as the efforts to influence media coverage is concerning to the IC.
The conclusion of the report has the IC suggesting “recommendation for the severest of available penalties.” for those on the board who are found to have leaked confidential information.
You can read the full report here, it begins on page 7.
