Constable Timothy Barnhardt of the Toronto Police Service was formally charged on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with selling information from a police database to a civilian. Prosecutors allege that Barnhardt was aware the data could be used to facilitate serious violence and that he expressed no concern for potential harm to individuals.
The charge stems from the ongoing Project South investigation, a police initiative that has employed an Information to Obtain application to secure more than 50 search warrants. Within that broader effort, investigators focused on the unauthorized disclosure of police records and the possible impact on public safety.
According to court documents, Barnhardt transferred the database material to an unnamed civilian. The material included details that, if misused, could enable violent actions. During the alleged transaction, Barnhardt reportedly stated he did not care if the information resulted in harm to any person, indicating a conscious disregard for the consequences of his conduct.
The prosecution emphasizes that the sale of police data violates statutory provisions designed to protect confidential law‑enforcement information. The charge reflects the seriousness with which authorities view the misuse of internal databases, especially when the information could be weaponized.
Project South, which has been active in Toronto for several years, utilizes the Information to Obtain legal tool to obtain judicial authorization for accessing electronic records. The operation has supported more than 50 warrants, highlighting its extensive scope in targeting illicit activities tied to digital information.
Barnhardt's case marks a notable development in the investigation, illustrating the internal challenges faced by law‑enforcement agencies in safeguarding sensitive data. The court will determine the appropriate legal response to the allegations, and the outcome may influence future policies on data security within the Toronto Police Service.