Deputy chief, civilian member suspended amid Sarnia police workplace investigation

Sarnia Police Deputy Chief Ron Hansen and a civilian member have been suspended pending a workplace investigation, while Chief Derek Davis remains suspended. The board says the suspensions are not findings of misconduct.

The Sarnia Police Services Board says Deputy Chief Ron Hansen and a civilian member of the Sarnia Police Service have been suspended from their duties as part of an ongoing workplace investigation.

In a media release issued Monday, board chair Kelly Ash said the suspensions are pending the outcome of the investigation and are “not findings of misconduct.”

“Nevertheless, the board has taken this step to ensure the integrity of the investigative process, as well as to maintain public confidence while the matter is being reviewed,” Ash said.

The board did not name the civilian member, provide details about the allegations, or say whether the suspensions are with pay. Ash said the board is aware the community “naturally” has questions, but said no further details will be released at this time in order to protect the investigation and the rights of those involved.

The announcement marks another major development for the Sarnia Police Service, which is already operating under interim leadership while Chief Derek Davis remains suspended amid a separate workplace harassment investigation.

With Hansen now also suspended, Interim Chief Mike Federico will assume responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and administration of the service, according to the board.

“The board has complete confidence in Interim Chief Federico and the service’s leadership team to continue providing professional policing services to the residents of Sarnia throughout this period,” Ash said.

Federico, a former Toronto Police deputy chief, was appointed interim chief last month and is expected to begin the role June 15. His appointment followed Davis’s suspension and the board’s decision to bring in outside leadership during the investigation.

Federico brings a long policing résumé to Sarnia. According to the Coalition for Canadian Police Excellence, where he serves as president, Federico has 50 years of policing experience, including 45 years as a serving police officer. He retired from the Toronto Police Service as deputy chief after serving through all ranks of the organization.

His background includes work on police accountability, training, supervision, use of force, officer wellness and police interactions with people experiencing mental health crises. He has also served on the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Use of Force Advisory Committee and was previously the use-of-force and mental health adviser to the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Federico has also been called into difficult policing environments before. In 2019, he was appointed by the province as an administrator to oversee parts of the Durham Regional Police Service while the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigated allegations involving the service and its board.

He has also been recognized nationally, receiving the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The Governor General’s office lists Federico as having been appointed a Member of the Order in 2009 and an Officer of the Order in 2015.

The board said it remains committed to transparency and accountability, while also ensuring workplace matters are handled “thoroughly and impartially.”

“Further information will be released as appropriate and consistent with legal and privacy obligations,” Ash said.