May 13, 1999
Chief backs officer's decision
By JOE WARMINGTON -- Toronto Sun
York Regional Police Chief Julian Fantino said he knew of Marilyn Lastman's arrest the day it happened and supported a police officer's decision to not charge her.
"I am satisfied the matter was handled properly by us," he told The Toronto Sun last night.
Margaret Black, chairman of the York Regional Police services board, said yesterday she will ask Fantino for a report on the incident.
"We are trustees of the public," said the King City mayor. "I will be asking for a full report on this -- all aspects of it ... On how the decision to not lay charges (was made) and who made it."
But, she said, the board has not made any early conclusion and only wants the facts.
"We need to have some answers," said the former criminal lawyer. "I want to be careful that we are being fair to everyone. ... We do need to understand what happened here."
Fantino has launched an internal investigation to determine how the police report was leaked. He said he will deal with and respond to any requests the board makes of him.
NO SPECIAL TREATMENT
But, he said, this is not a situation that needs much scrutiny. "It's ridiculous for people to read anything into this," he said, adding it's "preposterous" to suggest that special treatment was given.
The officer made the decision based on "things known to him at that time and I accept that."
"The incident occurred April 19 when the 64-year-old wife of Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman was arrested for allegedly shoplifting in the Eaton's store at the Promenade Mall.
Rookie Const. Dave Wales wrote in his report that "store representatives decided that due to her age as well as the lack of outstanding offences on her record, they did not wish to proceed with charges."
Store management said such decisions with "no exceptions" are never made by anybody but police, who ultimately decide how to proceed.
"We read them their rights and call police," Will Rinna, Eaton's loss-prevention manager, said. "Police take over the investigation."
Fantino agreed, saying this decision was and is a type of police decision made every day.
Fantino said he was made aware of the incident and an officer's decision to not lay a charge soon after it happened.
After being filled in, Fantino said, he immediately backed the officer and will do so in future.
'CASE CLOSED'
"I am backing the right of a police officer to use discretion," he said. "Decisions are made based on all the issues...This case is closed for me."
Fantino called the incident a "routine event in every aspect" that doesn't deserve to be turned into a "political football."
"You take the name out of it and it's no big deal," he said.
More Information on the Lastman Incident
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Article Copyright Toronto Sun
