Toronto police reviewing supports after officer’s overdose death
TORONTO — The fatal fentanyl overdose of a Toronto drug squad officer has the police force considering what more it could be doing to support those working in its high-risk units.
The death of Const. Michael Thompson — which occurred in April, was deemed an overdose in July and was announced by police on Thursday — has raised many questions about what happened to the 37-year-old described as a good officer who was respected by his colleagues.
The force is conducting parallel reviews — one into Thompson’s death that includes investigating his professional responsibilities, and the other into support programs for officers in high-risk units, such as the drug squad, human trafficking unit and the emergency task force, said police spokeswoman Meaghan Gray.
Investigators haven’t said why Thompson, who was found in medical distress at his home, had fentanyl at his residence. They also haven’t been able to determine if he may have purchased drugs on the street or taken them from police exhibits.