THUNDER BAY — After being suspended for a little more than a year, deputy chief Ryan Hughes' future with the Thunder Bay Police Service could be known in the very near future.
The Thunder Bay Police Services Board secretary John Hannam confirmed the board has received a report prepared by the Toronto Police Service relating to allegations against Hughes.
“Our board is considering the report and making the decision on how to respond to the findings with respect to the deputy himself and his suspension,” Hannam said, adding he cannot provide a specific date on when that decision will be delivered but expects it to be “soon.”
Hughes was suspended as deputy chief of the Thunder Bay Police Service in January 2022. At the time, the Police Services Board did not provide a reason for the suspension other than it was related to a human resources issue.
According to a report by CBC Thunder Bay, confidential police services board documents revealed two senior members of the Thunder Bay Police Service filed separate complaints against Hughes alleging workplace harassment and misconduct.
The Toronto Police Service was brought in to investigate the allegations and possible criminal elements.
Hughes' suspension early last year was one of the first significant developments in the senior leadership of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
Several months later in June 2022, former police chief Sylvie Hauth was suspended after being served with a notice of hearing on Police Service Act charges of discreditable conduct and deceit related to an investigation initiated against Thunder Bay Police Services Board member Georjann Morriseau. Allegations of discreditable conduct against Hughes were later found to be unsubstantiated.
Hauth officially retired as police chief late last month, just days before the scheduled Police Service Act hearing on the charges was scheduled to begin. The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has dismissed the charges against Hauth because it no longer has jurisdiction due to her retirement as a police officer.
At the time of Hughes suspension in January 2022, it was reported that the suspension was not related to any of the numerous human rights complaints filed against the Thunder Bay Police Service.
