LFI - The Toronto Police Service (TPS) Flashcards
Chief of Police:
The current Chief of Police is Myron Demkiw. He was appointed in 2022 and has been focusing on community safety initiatives, transparency in policing, and addressing issues such as gun violence and mental health crisis response.
Divisions and Units:
TPS has 16 divisions that provide localized services across Toronto, plus a Traffic Services Unit responsible for ensuring road safety.
TPS is also home to over 200 specialized units, including the Guns and Gangs Task Force, Marine Unit, Emergency Task Force (ETF), and Cyber Crime Unit. These units handle specific tasks that require specialized training and equipment.
Uniform and Civilian Units:
TPS has a mix of uniform officers and civilian staff. Uniform officers are responsible for law enforcement and public safety duties, whereas civilian employees provide crucial administrative, analytical, and community support services that help TPS function efficiently.
Key Personnel:
In addition to Chief Demkiw, other notable figures include Deputy Chiefs Rob Johnson, and Lauren Pogue. These leaders are responsible for key areas like community engagement and operations. These leaders play important roles in day-to-day operations and long-term strategy for TPS.
Budget:
The TPS 2024 operating budget request is set at $1.186 billion, which is an increase of $20 million (or 1.7%) from the previous year. This budget request reflects a number of cost drivers including salary requirements, premium pay, and reserve contributions. However, the TPS and its union (Toronto Police Association) do not have a contract in place for 2024 as the current agreement expires at the end of 2023. As such, the impact of any salary changes will not be included in the 2024 budget but will instead be accounted for in the City’s corporate accounts once a new agreement is negotiated
Special Programs and Initiatives:
TPS has implemented several community-focused initiatives, including:
Neighborhood Community Officer Program: Officers are assigned to specific neighborhoods to engage with residents and address local concerns.
Crisis Response Program: TPS works alongside mental health professionals to provide an appropriate response to mental health emergencies, aiming to de-escalate situations safely.
Community Relations:
The TPS aims to foster positive community relations through programs like the Youth in Policing Initiative, which provides summer employment opportunities for young people in Toronto to learn more about policing and participate in community projects.
Technological Advancements:
TPS has invested in modern technology, such as body-worn cameras for officers, which are used to improve transparency and accountability in police interactions with the public. In addition, TPS vehicles are equipped with in-car cameras to further support monitoring and transparency. Officers also carry iPhones to help them communicate effectively, access information quickly, and increase mobility during their duties. These advancements aim to make policing more efficient and maintain public trust through transparency.
