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Julian Fantino steps down as OPP Commissioner

Julian Fantino steps down as OPP Commissioner

Gary Grant ⋅ Motoring ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Here’s to hoping that motoring will become a little bit easier…

Thanks to OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, Ontario motorists risk roadside arrest for speeding, sanctioned officer power trips and media grand standing. Calling it The Lord’s work, Fantino believes it is up to police to prevent the citizenry from misbehaving, even if it means laying charges where no laws exist.

While few people would agree that police officers should look the other way at law breakers, many believe that Fantino’s reign has brought in a heavy handed style of policing that is out of place in our society. It was announced this morning that Julian Fantino will be replaced as the head of the Ontario Provincial Police by Chris Lewis as of the end of July.

For a long time, Ontario’s police force had a reputation for being fair and personable when dealing with the general public. Many Ontario motorists have felt oppressed by the highway traffic patrols during Fantino’s tenure. One can only hope that Lewis can return the human side of our patrols.

OPP press release

ORILLIA, ON, July 7 /CNW/ – Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner Julian Fantino has sent his congratulations to his successor, OPP Deputy Commissioner Chris Lewis, who was announced as the 14th leader of the OPP by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty this morning.

“It is a great honour and also a challenge to lead a diverse and complex police organization like the OPP. I wish Deputy Lewis the best and I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition and the continuing success of this great organization,” said Fantino, who will retain command until the end of July.

“The OPP celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. I have said often that anyone in a leadership position at the OPP stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. That was the case for me and it will be the case for my successors,” said Fantino.

The first leader of the OPP in 1909 was Superintendent Joseph E. Rogers. The rank of Commissioner was created in 1921 for his successor Harry M. Cawthra-Elliot. Hence, Deputy Lewis will be the OPP’s 14th leader and the 13th Commissioner.

O.P.P. hot shoe keeps his job in wake of Street Racing charge

Gary Grant ⋅ Driving safety ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

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There was a time when police officers were untouchable on the roads. Stopped for speeding? No problem, just flash your badge and your brother gives you a pat on the roof and you are on your way. Times have changed though and everyone has to be held accountable for their actions, especially those in a public position. Even the police. Sort of.

Young Constable Kristopher Gagnier of the Essex County O.P.P. detachment was clocked at 157 kmh in an 80 kmh zone in his cruiser. Oh yes, he failed to stop for a stop sign at a Tee intersection and stuffed the Black & White into a ditch! While he was on duty at the time, he was not responding to a call.

In other words, he was on a joyride. Perhaps there was a donut calling his name from some coffee shop.

As is mandated by the Highway Traffic Act, the cruiser will be impounded for 7 days, as will Gagnier’s license. Surprisingly, Gagnier will remain on active duty, possibly even riding shotgun in a cruiser!

In fairness to the O.P.P. it sounds like this incident will be investigated under the Police Services Act and likely that the 26 year old green pea will be disciplined. In reality though, it will be very interesting to see what the punishment will be. To avoid having a healthy lump of egg on their faces, it would make sense for the lad to be seeking career counselling. One wonders if the union will allow that.

Full details at The Windsor Star