Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Board yesterday announced that Deputy Chief Chris Kirkpatrick is no longer employed with the DRPS.
The deputy police chief was under investigation for misconduct for allegedly using a racial slur at an event. He was also the police official who had earlier reported himself for speeding (see below).
“The [DRPS] board has carefully reviewed the findings of the LECA [Law Enforcement Complaints Agency] investigation, which concluded that Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick’s actions constituted misconduct under the Community Safety and Policing Act,” said the announcement.
“After a thorough investigation by the LECA and careful review and deliberation, the DRPS Board and Deputy Chief Chris Kirkpatrick have agreed that their employment relationship be concluded. Deputy Chief Kirkpatrick will not be returning to the workplace and is retiring from the DRPS,” it added.
The Background of February Incident
On February 25, 2026 the DRPS Board had stated that they had become aware of an alleged misconduct by a Deputy Chief.
“The deputy police chief in question, Chris Kirkpatrick, allegedly used a racial inappropriate term during an internal support network meeting, that was attended by sworn and civilian members of the DRPS,” it had said.
The meeting was of the Afro-Caribbean Canadian Internal Support Network (ACC-ISN) and the racial slur used was one often used against the black community.
DRPS Board had stated that the alleged misconduct will be investigated by an independent third party.
Police Chief Informs DRPS Board
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira had also released a statement regarding the use of the racially charged slur by Kirkpatrick.
“The DRPS had an incident during a meeting of the ACC-ISN where a deputy chief used language, although not directed at anyone, that was offensive and inconsistent with our values,” he said.
He went on to state that upon becoming aware of the incident, he informed the DRPS Board.
Self-reported Speeding
This was not the first time that Deputy Chief Chris Kirkpatrick found himself in trouble.
In June 5th and 6th of 2024, a month after his appointment was announced, Kirkpatrick had stated that he had “operated my police issued vehicle in a manner that would undermine public trust in policing; speeding without lawful excuse.”
He was not ticketed but he did self report what transpired to the Chief of Police.
Public Trust
The DRPS Board statement said as the civilian governing body of the DRPS, the board takes seriously its responsibility to uphold the public’s trust in policing. Ensuring that members of the leadership team are held to the highest standards of conduct is central to that responsibility.
“The board remains deeply committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and culture, and to ensuring that the DRPS reflects and respects the diverse communities it serves. These values are fundamental to how this service operates and how it earns the trust of the public every day,” said the announcement.
The DRPS Board is the civilian governing body of the police service. Its responsibilities include establishing objectives for policing in consultation with the Chief of the Police, setting policies for adequate and effective policing and the administration of the police service, and hiring and monitoring the performance of the Chief of Police. The board consists of seven members, three appointed by the Province of Ontario and four chosen by Regional Council.
Earlier Story
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