OPP commander says public trust has been shaken following charges against members of Southern Georgian Bay Detachment
The Ontario Provincial Police is facing a public confidence test after members of its Southern Georgian Bay Detachment were charged, prompting the force’s Central Region commander to issue a blunt message: no OPP officer is above the law.
A/Chief Superintendent Coyer Yateman, Regional Commander for the OPP’s Central Region, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and admitted incidents involving police officers can challenge the trust placed in the organization by the communities it serves.
“The OPP acknowledges the significance of the recent charges laid against members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment,” Yateman said.
“We recognize the seriousness of these reports and understand the impact they may have.”
The statement comes as the charges move through the courts, meaning the OPP is not commenting on the specific allegations or evidence involved.
But Yateman made it clear that the organization knows the stakes are high.
“Our communities place a great deal of trust in the OPP, and incidents such as these can challenge that trust,” he said.
That trust, Yateman said, comes with an expectation that officers will be held to a higher standard.
“Accountability, professionalism and integrity are fundamental to maintaining public confidence,” he said.
“Police officers are necessarily held to a higher standard due to the authorities granted to them.”
And then came the strongest message in the statement.
“No member of our organization is above the law.”
Yateman said allegations concerning the conduct of OPP employees are taken seriously and are subject to investigation.
“When concerns are raised about the conduct of our employees, they are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated,” he said.
The case also involves the province’s Special Investigations Unit, which operates independently of police services and investigates incidents involving police officers that fall within its mandate.
The OPP said it will respect both the court process and the SIU’s independence.
“As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of those who came forward, the OPP is unable to discuss specific details or evidence related to the case,” Yateman said.
“We will continue to respect the independence of both the judicial process and the Special Investigations Unit’s mandate.”
For an organization that relies heavily on public cooperation and confidence, Yateman acknowledged that words alone will not repair any damage caused.
“Trust is earned through actions, not words,” he said.
The commander said the OPP will continue working to maintain the confidence of the communities it serves.
“Residents deserve to receive high-quality policing services and should expect nothing less,” Yateman said.
The charges remain before the courts. The allegations have not been proven.
Press Releases Involving Officers
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Professional Standards Unit (PSU) has charged an OPP officer in relation to an on-duty incident.
On Thursday, May 7, 2026, an OPP officer discharged a firearm during a training exercise, where firearm use was neither required nor authorized. The OPP PSU launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On Monday, August 10, 2026, Harinder THAKUR, 34 years old of Gravenhurst, who is a Provincial Constable with seven years of service, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
Careless use of a firearm, section 86 (1)
Reckless discharge of a firearm, section 244.2(1)(a)
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Provincial Constable THAKUR is a member of the OPP Emergency Response Team and is currently suspended from duty with pay in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act.
SIU Charges Southern Georgian Bay Detachment OPP Officer with Sexual Assault
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, has reasonable grounds to believe an Ontario Provincial Police officer with the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment committed criminal offences between August of 2024 and October of 2025.
On February 6, 2026, the Ontario Provincial Police notified the SIU of an allegation of sexual assault involving an officer and a woman. In the course of its investigation, the SIU uncovered separate allegations involving two additional women.
As a result of the SIU investigations, Cst Zahid Javed is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:
Three counts of sexual assault contrary to section 271; and
Three counts of breach of trust, contrary to section 122.
Cst Javed was arrested at SIU headquarters this morning and later released on several conditions, including that he refrains from communicating directly or indirectly with the affected persons.
Cst Javed is required to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at 605 Yonge Street in Midland on September 10, 2026.
As the matter is before the courts, and in consideration of the fair trial interests of the accused, the SIU will not provide further comment on the investigation.
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
