At yesterday's police press brief we also asked about the internal investigation by the Professional Standards Branch into the actions of an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The cop - who formerly headed the GSU - was allegedly recorded on a phone call he made to a gang affiliated person - where he played the recording of confidential information volunteered by a rival gang personality. So, in the parlance of a the streets, the ASP was basically snitching on an informer.
That kind of breach is what gets gang rivals killed - so the ASP was playing a very dangerous game.
The recording was leaked to eh Commissioner months ago - but what has happened since? That's what we asked the commander of PSB yesterday:
Reporter
"Leaking information about a criminal informant, it is the most fundamental breach of security imaginable to me. Is this a matter that you have dealt with?"
Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers, Commander, Professional Standards Branch
"We have the video and Mr. Lorenzo has been placed on suspension and an investigation is being conducted."
Reporter
"Are you all able to say if such a person from what you have seen, is such a person able to work in the police department where the confidentiality of criminal informants is paramount above all else?"
Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers
"It is not something that we will encourage or can tolerate, but we will see what the investigation reveals. We cannot make a determination at this point, we cannot jump the gun, so this investigation is being conducted and based on the findings of this investigation, then we will see what the recommendations are."
Reporter
"Are you able to say what does an investigation like this involved? Once you have seen the video, I understand, due process must be exercise, but anyone who has seen that video and knows who the players are would say that, if you're doing this, you can't do our job. What more is there to investigate?"
Sr. Supt. Calbert Flowers
"At the end of the day, we will make our recommendation, Mr. Lorenzo is assistant superintendent of police, we cannot just send him home, like you rightfully said we have to give due process."
