Today, at Toronto Police Service Headquarters, President Clayton Campbell joined Chief Myron Demkiw to respond to the release of the OPP’s Independent Review into the evidence presented during R. v. Zameer.
His comments, including a statement on behalf of Officers Lisa Forbes, Tony Correa, and Scharnil Pais, are being shared in full. Please check against delivery.
The entire news conference can be viewed on the Toronto Police Service’s YouTube channel.
“Good afternoon, and thank you, Chief Demkiw, for including us today.
For nearly two years, our members and Jeff’s family, especially Margaret, have patiently waited for the OPP to finish its review.
I would like to join the Chief in acknowledging the investigative team’s efforts and, on behalf of our membership, extend our thanks for your diligence and attention to detail, regardless of the outcome.
Many issues were identified, and we have confidence in the Chief to make any necessary changes.
Today, our focus is on the vindication of Officers Scharnil Pais, Tony Correa, and Lisa Forbes.
However, while they have been vindicated of wrongdoing, this is not a reason to celebrate.
On July 2, 2021, Jeff was killed in the line of duty.
His death is still deeply felt by his wife, Margaret, his three children, his colleagues, and friends.
Jeff is no longer with us because, as he stood in front of a car – a fact that has been confirmed today by the OPP – he was struck and killed by Umar Zameer.
This is a fact, and one that has been repeatedly overshadowed.
We must always remember that the only reason we are here today is because a police officer – a husband and father – was killed while serving our city.
Since this tragic incident, our members’ lives have been permanently impacted.
Their careers remain uncertain, and their reputations have been called into question.
Their personal and professional relationships have been strained and, in some cases, broken.
They have been living with these shadows of doubt because of comments made by the trial judge, Justice Anne Molloy.
To be absolutely clear, in her own words, Justice Molloy stated that our members lied.
She stated categorically that our members were neither truthful nor reliable.
She stated that both officers pointed their guns directly at the heads of Mr. Zameer and his wife.
Today, I say clearly to Justice Molloy, you were wrong.
As stated in the OPP report, there is no evidence to demonstrate that Officers Pais, Correa, and Forbes lied or colluded to lie.
Through its review, the OPP determined there was no evidence nor did any parties say that officers pointed their guns at the heads of Mr. Zameer and his wife.
In fact, throughout this incredibly traumatic incident, our members acted with professionalism and integrity.
Characteristics they have consistently demonstrated over the past five years.
We will work closely with our members to identify any available next steps, but at the very least, they deserve an apology.
As demonstrated today, when our members are accused of such errors, they are investigated and, if necessary, held accountable.
Judges should also take accountability.
They are not beyond reproach; they cannot be shielded from public criticism.
Today, I take the first step in demanding accountability by publicly asking Justice Molloy to make things right.
Because of Justice Molloy’s comments, our members were accused of tarnishing the memory of a deceased colleague, they were publicly shamed, and the reputation of an entire profession was called into question.
Most insulting, while Jeff’s grieving widow, Margaret, and colleagues sat just feet away, she apologized to the man who killed a police officer.
Today, Justice Molloy, I would strongly recommend that Scharnil, Tony, Lisa, and especially Margaret receive a public apology from you.
Before concluding, I want to share a note from Officers Pais, Correa, and Forbes.
All three have reviewed the OPP report and are watching today’s news conference together.
It is my honour to read a statement on their behalf:
‘We would like to begin by thanking the OPP team for their efforts.
We fully cooperated with the investigation, and we appreciate the results.
Our only wish was for the truth to come out, no matter how long it took.
We also want to thank Margaret for her steadfast support.
We miss Jeff every day and remain dedicated to honouring his memory through our service.
We ask the media to respect our privacy during this time so we can grieve and move forward together, something we have been unable to do since July 2, 2021.’
Thank you, and I am happy to take any questions you may have.”
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Jeff & Margaret
For more information, please contact Meaghan Gray, Chief Communications Officer, at mgray@tpa.ca.
The Toronto Police Association represents more than 8,500 police and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service. We are a professional organization dedicated to advancing the interests of our members through education, political action, and legislative advocacy. We operate in an open, ethical, and professional manner and strive to promote professionalism and accountability within the ranks of our members. Our foremost priority is the wellbeing of our members and the community we serve.