Dr. Kate Puddister, Department of Political Science, is quoted in an Aug. 18 Toronto Star article about convicted Toronto Police officer Const. Matthew Brewer. Dismissed at the Toronto police disciplinary tribunal for misconduct, Brewer remains on the payroll.

Puddister, who researches police oversight, says in the article that public trust can be “seriously compromised” when a disciplinary process for a police officer is drawn out over years, while the officer continues to receive the benefits of their position.

She said the current process hampers the ability of chiefs of police to respond effectively and swiftly to misconduct, while furthering the public perception that police protect fellow officers at the expense of genuine accountability.