Toronto police officer Stacy Clarke has been handed a two-year demotion to the rank of inspector for her part in what disciplinary hearing officer Robin McElary-Downer called a “cheating scheme” in a Wednesday police act tribunal decision.

“I found there is sufficient and tangible evidence in front of me that finds [Clarke’s] actions amply illustrated abuse of position and abuse of power,” McElary-Downer said. “This makes her an unsuitable candidate to be automatically reinstated to the rank of superintendent. Supt. Clarke will need to reapply down the road.

“When she does, I’m truly hopeful she will demonstrate her readiness to serve at the rank of superintendent.”

Clarke’s defence lawyer Joseph Markson had argued Clarke be demoted to the rank of inspector for a year to 18 months, before being automatically reinstated to the rank of superintendent.

Police prosecutor Scott Hutchison countered that Clarke be demoted two ranks to staff sergeant, with the opportunity to reapply to become a superintendent after two years.

After serving her 24-month penalty, Clarke can reapply to become a superintendent, McElary-Downer said.

Clarke pleaded guilty to seven counts of misconduct in September of 2023, but testified at a hearing this spring that she acted out of desperation to counteract what she called “anti-Black systemic racism” when she gave confidential information to six Black constables ahead of promotional job interviews in 2021.

McElary-Downey said Clarke committed a number of transgressions including photographing interview questions and answers and sending them to her six mentees, instructing one of the officers to delete photos she sent them and conducting mock interviews with officers.

In her decision, McElary-Downer said “it’s clear rank brings a higher expectation of flawless behaviour.

“The nature of Supt. Clarke’s misconduct undoubtedly shook the confidence and trust the public had in her, and on a broader scale, the Toronto Police Service,” she added.

Clarke is the first Black female officer to reach the rank of superintendent with Toronto police. Her lawyer referred to her as the “Black female face” of the force throughout the proceedings.

Clarke has been a police officer since joining the service as a cadet in 1998. She was promoted to superintendent in July 2020. McElary-Downer pointed to Clarke’s record as a police officer while giving her decision.

“Outside of this incident, Supt. Clarke has led an admirable career,” she said. “Indisputably, she is held in high regard by the many people she has worked with. Her history reflects she is a rockstar.”

Numerous high-profile police officers acted as character witnesses on behalf of Clarke throughout the hearing, including former Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders.