Today’s Northumberland received a letter in the mail on Friday, November 1, 2024 stating they are a person who is part of the management team of the Cobourg Police Service.
The letter goes into specific allegations about members of the service including “unethical practices, illegal activities, racism, sexism and cronyism within the Cobourg Police Service.”
The four page letter specifically names certain officers, which Today’s Northumberland will not mention as the letter has not been verified.
“As a member of the Management Team, I have witnessed numerous incidents that require urgent attention.”
“Throughout my tenure, I have gained the trust of several colleagues who have confided in me about their troubling experiences. To protect their identities and my own, I have chosen to remain anonymous.”
The writer states that reporting of the issues, “poses significant risks, including potential ostracization, damage to reputations, job loss and threats to personal safety.”
“While tasked with ensuring community safety, is struggling under a management structure that appears to prioritize cronyism over merit.”
The writer states that there is a culture of “fear and misconduct” in certain areas of the service.
“My intent with this letter is not only to initiate a thorough investigation but also to shed light on the troubling dynamics within the Cobourg Police.”
“Morale within the Cobourg Police Service is alarmingly low. Last summer, 16 officers indicated intentions to transfer to other police services.”
However the writer claims some officers interfered with the transitions, “advising other services against hiring these officers.”
“Approximately 20 percent of employees are currently on mental health leave, yet the service has taken little action to address these concerns and improve morale.”
“The situation has deteriorated to the point where meaningful recovery seems nearly impossible.”
“The service’s small size, combined with an entrenched “old boys’ club” mentality, makes impartial investigations unlikely.”
The writer says that certain officers that were named in the letter, “have failed to uphold their oaths and act in the best interests of the Town of Cobourg. Their actions pose significant threats to both their colleagues and the community they serve.”
“Concerns have also been raised about misappropriation of funds during the execution of search warrants.”
“CIB members reportedly do not wear body cameras during these operations, complicating efforts to substantiate claims of misconduct.”
“Moreover, there are complaints that members misused police resources for authorized surveillance of fellow officers.”
“I strongly recommend a thorough investigation by an independent third party. This letter aims to shed light on the troubling dynamics within the service. During a meeting last year, constables raised concerns directly with the Chief and Deputy Chief, but these concerns were disregarded.”
“The absence of proper scrutiny and accountability mechanisms has fostered an environment where officers are routinely accused of failing to adhere to the service’s mission values. In reality, it is these individuals who have consistently fallen short.”
“I have no doubt that these individuals will go unpunished.”
“I implore you to consider these concerns seriously. A swift and confidential investigation is crucial to safeguard everyone involved and to restore trust in the Cobourg Police Service, particularly as the town becomes more multicultural.”
“I entrust this to you to take the necessary actions to mend a service that is in dire need of repair, with the hope that we can one day restore the motto of the service: Lex Presidium Libertatis, The Law of the Protection of Liberty.”
The letter is not signed.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
