Cobourg police station/X photo
The Cobourg Police Service Board says it is moving forward with a forensic audit following the discovery of serious financial concerns within the police service.
In a statement released October 11, the board confirmed that a detailed budget review identified issues significant enough to warrant further examination and the involvement of provincial policing authorities.
According to the board, financial reports had been requested from the previous police administration before the current leadership took over, but those reports were never provided.
In response to ongoing concerns, the board initiated a detailed review conducted by the police service’s financial manager.
The board says the completed report was forwarded to Ontario’s Inspectorate of Policing within hours of being reviewed.
The Ontario Provincial Police was also consulted and, according to a motion approved by the board, engaged to conduct a review because of the seriousness of the findings.
The board subsequently determined that a forensic audit would be undertaken.
The financial manager’s report was also provided to the Town of Cobourg’s treasurer for a comprehensive, line-by-line review.
Board Chair Adam Bureau says the organization recognizes the seriousness of the situation and is committed to addressing the issues.
“We have faced difficult decisions, asked tough questions, and taken steps to ensure that these financial concerns are properly examined,” said Bureau.
He added that the board remains committed to making necessary improvements while ensuring accountability.
“Accountability is not about pointing fingers or assigning blame before all the facts are known. It is about taking responsibility, asking difficult questions, and having the courage to act.”
Bureau says police officers, civilian employees and taxpayers deserve a properly supported and financially accountable police service.
The board has also approved issuing a public statement outlining the concerns and the steps taken in response.
While the statement describes serious financial issues, it does not disclose the specific findings of the budget review, identify the amount of money involved or establish that wrongdoing has occurred.
No timeline for completing the forensic audit was provided.
