Progress in question: a qualitative thematic analysis of disciplinary power, and Black senior leadership in Canadian policing

The perception of “progress” for racialized officers within contemporary Canadian policing – particularly equity, diversity, and inclusion reforms – remains underexplored. Existing scholarship predominantly emphasizes increased representation at lower ranks, often neglecting the implications of tokenism within white, male-dominated workforces. This study examines the disciplinary proceedings of former Toronto Police Superintendent Stacy Clarke, analyzing tribunal discourse – court documents, promotional policies, exhibits, and testimonies – and related media coverage to interrogate how race, discipline, and compliance are constructed. Employing a case study and qualitative thematic approach, this research contextualizes the socio-legal framings of Clarke’s ruling as the first Black female superintendent in the service’s history, situating it within structural and cultural impediments to racialized officers’ professional mobility. Five key themes emerge, revealing identity-management narratives, over-surveillance, and a marked absence of substantive discourse on anti-Black racism and mentorship opportunities. Findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions. Implications, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Criminology

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Avraam, Adriana

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Samuels-Wortley, Kanika

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1958

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1958