The following statement can be attributed to President Clayton Campbell:
“The Toronto Police Association and its members have appreciated the ongoing support from Minister Kerzner, which makes today’s announcement even more difficult to understand.
Without meaningful consultation, the Solicitor General has concluded that the OPP is better equipped to address traffic safety on our major arterial routes and to provide policing services, including Mounted and Marine functions at Ontario Place and along its waterfront.
Not only are we fundamentally opposed to this decision, but we believe it constitutes a gross overreach into what is clearly within our members’ jurisdiction, as entrenched in our collective agreements.
Our members are experts in recognizing and managing traffic patterns and crime trends within Toronto’s boundaries. They are uniquely positioned to respond and coordinate closely with one another and with other support units across the city to keep traffic flowing and the public safe.
Almost every call in the city, regardless of its location, requires a multi-agency response. It does not make operational sense to bring in another response unit, such as the OPP.
We believe this move will inevitably fragment the delivery of traffic enforcement and general policing services, increasing stress for commuters and posing a potential risk to public safety.
If the Solicitor General wants to invest in the safety and well-being of those who live, work, and visit Toronto, we recommend expanding our Traffic Services Unit, Mounted Unit, and Marine Unit, or addressing our request to support staffing and resources for special events and protest management.
We strongly encourage the Chief of Police and the Chair of the Police Service Board to stand up for their members and consider all options. Outsourcing police services in our city is never an option. It demands that those in leadership positions have difficult conversations and do the right thing, including legal action if necessary.
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The Toronto Police Association represents more than 8,800 police and civilian members of the Toronto Police Service. We are a professional organization dedicated to advancing the interests of our members through education, political action, and legislative advocacy. We operate in an open, ethical, and professional manner and strive to promote professionalism and accountability within the ranks of our members. Our foremost priority is the wellbeing of our members and the community we serve.
For more information, please contact Meaghan Gray, Chief Communications Officer, Toronto Police Association, mgray@tpa.ca.