Some Brampton residents called for the resignation of Peel Police Chief Jennifer Evans on June 4 at a public meeting.
The meeting at Loafers Lake Recreation Centre was to discuss policing in the region, based on recommendations from the provincial government to review Ontario’s three policing bodies.
Tensions have mounted over the past year between Evans and residents.
Last year, the Police Services Board (PSB), the body that oversees the force, requested Evans suspend the controversial practice of carding.
The main reason is the disproportionate negative effect on black men in the community.
Despite the request, and outcry from the public, Evans has refused to stop the practice, leaving many in the community feeling unheard.
It’s also unclear whether Evans will instruct the police force on new rules regarding the practice coming into effect on January 1.
Earlier this year, the PSB — including mayors Linda Jeffrey and Bonnie Crombie — also requested an equity and diversity audit citing a lack of demographic representation in the force.
Before the board’s decision, Evans was publicly called out by the Peel Coalition Against Racialized Discrimination.
The local anti-discrimination group has alleged gross misconduct by Peel officers and a failure to deal with diversity concerns.
Evans’ response was a harshly worded letter to the board chair, condemning their decision to call the audit.
Among those in attendance at the meeting were family members of Jermaine Carby, a Brampton man who was fatally shot by police in 2014 during a street check at night. The family alleges that carding was the cause of Carby’s death. They are currently suing Evans, seven police officers, and the PSB.
Evans recently spoke with Brampton Focus about the challenges and opportunities faced by officers in Peel. Watch the full segment here.
