Today, one year after the Toronto Police Service Board unanimously approved 81 recommendations charting a course for wide-ranging changes to be made across the organization, the Toronto Police Service and the Board continue to make progress in implementing comprehensive police reform, in collaboration with the City of Toronto and other community stakeholders.
The issues we are in the process of addressing remain as relevant as ever for the residents of Toronto, including critical dialogue around anti-Black racism, systemic discrimination, policing, accountability, transparency and reform. The changes we are making reflect those important conversations, and the community priorities highlighted from the considerable feedback we have received, and continue to receive, from thousands of Torontonians.
The Board’s 81 recommendations put into place a roadmap for comprehensive policing reform, and include a work plan with short, medium and long-term implementation timelines. By the end of 2021, the Board and the Service are planning to have implemented or addressed more than 80 percent of the 81 recommendations, making notable progress in areas that are meaningfully changing the ways in which we provide policing services to the public, and improving the support we provide to our Members.
"I am proud of the landmark policing reforms approved by the Board last August, which set the Board and the Service on an ambitious reform agenda," said Mayor John Tory, who also serves as a Member of the Police Services Board. "We have made progress implementing the reforms, and I know the Board and the Service are committed to continuing this important work. The rebuilding of trust is very much a work in progress, which goes beyond any specific recommendations, and my commitment to that objective remains very firm."
Board Chair Jim Hart stated that “the implementation of the 81 recommendations is one of the most important pieces of work for our Board, infusing all that we do, and the collaborative, community-focused approach we take. The Board views this work as a beginning; one that proposes immediate action and a commitment to change through ongoing consultation and a reimagining of our current approach to community safety. This process of reform is a journey, and the Board continues to work with the Service, the City and community partners to drive important and evolving change.”
“The Service is committed to being responsive to the needs of our city’s many diverse communities and prioritizing the implementation of all 81 recommendations,” said Chief of Police James Ramer. “Our work continues and I am pleased with the progress we are making, which has been possible because of the dedication and professionalism of our Service members.”
A One-Year Update Video showcases the recommendations that have been implemented to date, while the Police Reform Implementation Dashboard on the TPS website provides more detailed information on our progress.
Among others, notable accomplishments include:
In our commitment to increased accountability and transparency, we went further than the 81 recommendations and have proactively moved forward in other areas of police reform.
Whether it’s the Anti-Racism Advisory Panel, the Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel, the Missing and Missed Persons Implementation Team, or our many Community Consultative Committees, the Toronto Police Service’s reform journey benefits from the guidance and support of our city partners and communities.
Although there is more work to be done, we will continue to do what is necessary to showcase our commitment to transparency and accountability, and to strengthening trust with all of Toronto’s many communities.