Orangeville police officers want the province to investigate their bosses.

The Orangeville Police Association unanimously has requested that the Ontario Civilian Police Commission investigate “the adequacy and effectiveness of the Orangeville Police Services Board” in its Nov. 13 meeting.

The OCPC is a provincial oversight agency meant to ensure police forces follow the Police Services Act.

Police services boards are responsible for hiring and monitoring local police chiefs, establishing police policies and making sure those policies are followed.

Orangeville Police Association meeting notes obtained by the Star don’t explain why the investigation was requested, but do note the decision was made after consultation with a lawyer.

The Star has also obtained a letter sent by Orangeville Police Association President James Giovannetti in which he tells members of the request for an outside review of the force, without giving reasons.

“As a result of ongoing concerns regarding the operation of the Orangeville Police Services Board, the OPA Executive unanimously decided to request that the OCPC conduct a review in to the adequacy and effectiveness of the OPSB,” Giovannetti wrote to members.

“This request is specifically in regards to the OPSB, and does not involve senior management of the Orangeville Police Service,” Giovannetti continued.

Neither the police board chair Cynthia Rayburn nor Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams, who sits on the board, could not be reached for comment Thursday.

This isn’t the first time Orangeville officers have urged the province to investigate those at the top of the police structure.

In 2010, former Orangeville police sergeant Curtis Rutt also requested a province investigation into what he deemed widespread lack of training for officers.

Rutt called for an independent review by the OCPC and for Chief Joseph Tomei to be suspended. He accused Tomei of supplying inadequate training, which Rutt believed resulted in substandard investigations.

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Rutt was subsequently charged under the Police Services Act with discreditable conduct, deceit and breach of confidence for allegedly leaking material to the media.

Rutt resigned last August, saying his continued employment with the force was “intolerable.” The charges died with his resignation.