Editorial

A welcome inquiry

Later, after starting to sift through Metro police files handed over by Chief Bill McCormack, he said the commission was finding "some very disturbing things."

Yesterday, the provincial commission took the unusual step of calling a broad public inquiry into the Junger case as well as the way Metro police handle allegations of wrongdoing against police officers.

McCormack, who welcomed the inquiry, has insisted all along that his force conducted a "thorough" probe into the so-called escort affair. The chief also said Junger got no special treatment when a drug charge against him was dropped a day before he resigned.

But by ordering an independent inquiry, the Ontario commission evidently believes that more than assurances from the chief are needed. Indeed, as facts in the Junger case have dribbled out, Metro's own police commission has shown little inclination to perform its watchdog role with much gusto.

The public must be satisfied that when police investigate one of their own in this city, everything is on the up and up. This timely inquiry should clear the air.