A Toronto police officer who is facing a charge of second-degree murder has quietly been given a desk job with Crime Stoppers, as his case winds its way through Ontario's court system.

Const. James Forcillo was suspended with pay a few days after the shooting death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim last summer.

Chief Bill Blair decided to lift the suspension in February and allow the constable to work in an administrative role, police spokeswoman Meaghan Gray confirmed Thursday after the decision was revealed in a newspaper report.

Gray said the decision to allow Forcillo to work followed an internal review that took a number of factors into consideration, including public interest and the "best interest" of the officer.

Forcillo, who is free on bail, is working a full-time position with the same salary, said his lawyer, Peter Brauti.

Brauti said the police service had three options to consider at the end of its review - to keep the suspension in place, allow Forcillo to work an administrative job or allow him to return to active duty - as mandated by Ontario's Police Services Act.

The lawyer said Forcillo is happy to be back at work.

“The officer should be able to return to work and continue to work as if he is innocent of the offences," Brauti told reporters before Forcillo's preliminary hearing resumed in the morning.

Blair’s decision left Yatim’s family feeling upset and lost, said family friend Joseph Nazar.

“It’s basically a very big assault to the family, who are still grieving the loss of their loving son,” Nazar told CP24 reporter Cristina Tenaglia. “We just feel the police chief has made a very wrong decision.”

At their last meeting, Blair and Toronto Police Services Board chair Alok Mukherjee seemed sympathetic to Yatim’s family, Nazar said.

“This is basically a slap in the face of the family,” he said.

Nazar said Yatim's family is thankful Forcillo has not been reinstated to active duty, but they wanted the suspension to remain in place until the case is resolved.

Gray said police will decide whether Forcillo will return to active police duty once the court proceedings are over.

Forcillo in 'super restricted' role: union

Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, said Forcillo is in a “super restricted” role that would not have an impact on police operations or investigations.

At work, Forcillo is not in uniform and he is not armed with any police-issued weapons. His bail conditions prohibit him from possession firearms.

McCormack attempted to downplay any controversy surrounding the move.

“This is not uncommon for suspended officers to be brought back to work," the union boss told CP24 anchor Lindsey Deluce.

McCormack said the internal review included a risk assessment by the service’s professional standards investigative unit.

“Ultimately, it’s a command decision,” McCormack said. “It’s done after (professional standards) does a full review and ensures there is no risk to the public or the integrity of the corporation.”

The professional standards unit is tasked with investigating criminal allegations against Toronto officers.

When a suspension occurs, the union encourages the police service to find "meaningful work" for the officer or officers in question, McCormack added.

It is not exactly clear what kind of administrative work Forcillo is doing for Crime Stoppers at police headquarters on College Street. The charitable organization is overseen by a volunteer board of directors and the police service provides a co-ordinator to manage its day-to-day operations.

Preliminary hearing continues

Meanwhile, Forcillo returned to court Thursday for the third day of a preliminary hearing that will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a second-degree murder trial. Due to a publication ban, the media is prevented from reporting the evidence that is being presented.

The charge was laid a few weeks after Yatim was shot multiple times and Tasered by police while he was armed with a knife aboard a TTC streetcar on Dundas Street West, at Bellwoods Avenue, in July 2013.

Public outrage followed the incident, which was filmed by cellphone and surveillance cameras. The recordings were posted online or shared with the media.

In a cellphone video recorded by a witness, police officers repeatedly shout at Yatim, who is alone on the streetcar, to “drop the knife” and a male voice is heard taunting the cops.

Moments later, nine gunshots are fired as officers stand on the street near the open front door – three initially and six more about five seconds later.

In the video, it appears the final six shots are fired after Yatim fell to the streetcar's floor. The sound of a Taser is heard after the gunshots.

Less than a month later, the second-degree murder charge was laid against Forcillo after an investigation by Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit.

He is also facing a disciplinary charge of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.

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