Apology by New Chief to Dafonte Miller, is it too little too late?

BY PAUL JUNOR

On August 6^th, 2020 a public apology was issued to Dafonte Miller by Interim Chief, James Ramer at a press conference. It has been four years since Dafonte was assaulted on December 28^th, 2016.

His life was changed forever when Michael Theriault, an off-duty Toronto police officer and his brother Christian confronted him in Whitby, Ontario. Dafonte was left with a broken jaw and arm and blinded in his left eye. During the trial that occurred in 2017, there were different versions of the events that were presented to the crown. Officer Theriault and his brother, Christian both pleaded not guilty and alleged that they acted in self-defence. Dafonte claimed that he was while walking with his friends that he was chased, punched, kicked and hit with an object.

On June 26^th, 2020 approximately three and half years later, Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph De Lulia found Michael guilty of assault, while charges of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice were thrown out. His brother was acquitted of all charges.

Acting Chief Ramer who took over on August 1^st, 2020 after Chief Mark Saunders retired on July 31^st, 2020 offered a formal apology to Miller and his family. He stated, “I also want to acknowledge that Mr Miller’s life has forever been impacted by the events of that evening.” The Interim Chief acknowledged that it was wrong for Durham Regional Police Officers to not inform the SIU. It was on April 27^th, 2017 months later, that the SIU became aware of Theriault’s role after being contacted by Millier’s lawyer, Julian Falconer, who told them about it.

Interim Chief revealed that the TPS will be updating its policies to ensure that the SIU will be informed if a situation like this was to occur again involving an on off-duty TPS officer.

Toronto Mayor, John Tory spoke after Ramer’s apology. He recognizes that severe damage has ensued from how this case was handled, and what must be done.

“The police service acknowledged that trust has been broken between the police, Dafonte and the broader community.” With these anticipated changes, Ramer assured the black, and the wider community that it is, “An important step towards repairing trust, greater accountability and the reform that the police service and the police services board has committed to.”

Dafonte Miller released a statement on Friday, August 14^th, 2020. He noted that this apology by Interim Chief Ramer was the first time that the TPS acknowledged they were wrong “For not notifying the SIU.” He goes on further, “The chief’s press conference and the OIPRD report came as a complete surprise to me and my family. Sincere apologies are important. Public relations exercises are not. I believe that true accountability comes from professionals owning up to their mistakes. I have never heard from former Chief Saunders.”

Julian Falconer believes that there was a cover-up by the TPS in a telephone interview with CBC News on August 11^th, 2020. He notes that there have been several retirements, not just Chief Saunders, before the public apology. He stated, “You can’t retire out of a civil suit.”