Former Toronto Police Service officer Firouzeh Zarabi-Majd disclosed her unsettling experience with an unofficial group chat from the 51 Division of the police force. She learned about the chat accidentally from a colleague and reported that some messages included derogatory comments about her body, specifically referencing her vagina. Zarabi-Majd faced disciplinary actions for her criticisms, which she voiced on social media, ultimately resulting in her termination for insubordination in May 2023. Despite her actions being prompted by her desire for accountability, she expressed disappointment that no punitive measures were taken against her fellow officers who participated in the inappropriate dialogues.
Following Zarabi-Majd's disclosure, other significant repercussions emerged, including implications in legal cases. In one instance involving accused sex trafficker Kevin Barreau, defense attorney Chris Rudnicki highlighted remarks made by Det. Const. Chris Hoeller during the trial. These comments, which referenced Zarabi-Majd's physical appearance, were used to argue claims of racial bias against Hoeller, who had been accused of using a racial epithet during Barreau's arrest in 2017. While Hoeller acknowledged his remarks as “completely inappropriate” and “highly disrespectful,” he maintained it was a “one-time thing.” Justice Russell Stuart Silverstein criticized Hoeller's failure to recognize the racist undertones in his text, influencing the court’s perception of his credibility.
Barreau was convicted despite disputes about the group chat evidence that tried to portray a troubling culture within the Toronto Police Service. Rudnicki pointed out the relevance of these communications to demonstrate patterns of racism. Zarabi-Majd's decision to expose the group chat was noted as being made at "extreme risk" to herself, as such discussions are typically concealed among officers who often communicate via private channels to avoid disclosure to defense counsel.
Additionally, just two years prior to the Barreau trial, another case concerning two young adults accused of drug and gun possession collapsed when critical evidence was deemed inadmissible. The judge ruled that this evidence was compromised partly due to cross-examination involving Const. Ryan Kotzer, who had participated in the 51 Division chat. Content from Kotzer’s messages included disparaging remarks about judges, which he described as “leftist” and “morons,” and displayed deeply offensive beliefs linking crime to individuals based on race.
Despite the outcry surrounding these messages, both Hoeller and Kotzer have not faced public disciplinary actions for their conduct. The extent of disciplinary measures was limited, with Hoeller removed from his position in the human trafficking unit, but no further consequences were imposed publicly. Nadine Ramadan, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, stated that the force is unable to comment on individual disciplinary matters unless they result in criminal charges or hearings at a disciplinary tribunal.
Attempts to reach both Hoeller and Kotzer for comments were unsuccessful, and the Toronto Police Association declined to facilitate contact with them. Furthermore, Clewley, Kotzer's former attorney, also refrained from providing assistance. The implications of these actions leave lingering questions about accountability and the culture within the Toronto Police Service.
