High-ranking Toronto cop demoted for promotions cheating scandal

Stacy Clarke can apply to be reinstated as superintendent in two years, according to ruling

Published Aug 28, 2024  •  2 minute read

Toronto Police officer Stacy Clarke was demoted from superintendent to inspector for a 2021 promotions cheating scandal on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Photo by Handout /Toronto Police Service

The first female Black superintendent in Toronto Police history has been demoted for her role in a 2021 promotions’ cheating scandal.

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But Stacy Clarke, who engaged in a cheating scheme to help fellow Black cops vying for promotion, remains a senior officer within the service under her reduced rank of inspector.

And she can apply to be reinstated to the rank of superintendent in two years, according to a ruling announced at her disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.

Clarke’s actions brought “unwanted publicity” and caused “irreparable damage” to Toronto Police, hearing officer Robin McElary-Downer said in determining the 26-year veteran must be busted to the rank of inspector for 24 months.

McElary-Downer said there is no question Clarke earned her superintendent rank, “but that rank is a privilege, not a right.”

However, she believes the single mom of two possesses “outstanding leadership qualities,” making her a suitable candidate to be reinstated to superintendent down the road.

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Clarke previously admitted during her tribunal that she fed questions and answers to six officers she was mentoring who had applied to become sergeants. She was also part of the panel that interviewed one of the six without disclosing he was a family friend.

However, Clarke claimed she only helped the officers because she was fed up with anti-Black racism within the service and she was tired of seeing good candidates unable to get ahead.

She pleaded guilty last fall to seven counts under the Police Service Act, including three counts each of breach of confidence and discreditable conduct.

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Clarke’s lawyer, Joseph Markson, had asked the hearing officer to consider the “context” of the racism she’s faced and demote her to inspector for 12 to 18 months before automatically reinstating her to superintendent.

Counsel for Toronto Police, Scott Hutchison, suggested Clarke should be demoted two ranks to staff sergeant for 12 months and then to inspector for another year before being allowed to return to the rank of superintendent.

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In her decision, McElary-Downer pointed out that Clarke only raised her concerns of anti-Black racism and the failure of good candidates to get ahead after she was caught.

She also found it troubling that Clarke committed the “very serious misconduct” within 10 months of being promoted to superintendent.

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McElary-Downer looked at numerous other cases of cheating within policing before deciding on a fitting punishment, taking aspects such as Clarke’s intentions into consideration.

She said Clarke deserves credit for recognizing her misconduct, accepting responsibility and apologizing.

McElary-Downer also made a point of stating Clarke didn’t cheat for her own advancement – she did it because she wanted her mentees to be successful.

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But Clarke’s mentees ultimately paid a price for her actions, she said.

“Her fingerprints will forever be etched on their damaged careers,” McElary-Downer said.

The hearing officer also gave considerable weight to the damage Clarke’s violation of the public trust and abuse of power caused to the police service.

After reading aloud numerous headlines from the last few years, McElary-Downer said the news reports were “damning” and “will live in perpetuity on the internet.”

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