Race relations and police in Toronto.

Policing a World Within a City: The Race Relations Initiatives of the Toronto Police Service Foreword by Chief of Police Julian Fantino For some years Toronto has been recognized as being the most diverse city in the world.  It is a place where people from a myriad of backgrounds and cultures live, work and play in relative safety and harmony.  To their credit this is in no small measure due to the ongoing efforts of the men and women of the Toronto Police Service who truly are Policing A World Within A City. Since its inception in 1957, the Toronto Police Service has not only enjoyed an enviable reputation as a professional organization but also the support of the overwhelming majority of citizens.  Furthermore, the relationship between its members and the public it serves is the single most important factor in its success.  Accordingly, public support is the Service’s most cherished asset. Recent controversy has served to remind everyone of the fragile nature of this relationship and how potentially divisive allegations of racial bias can be.  Unfortunately, even the perception of such bias has put in question the relationship between some segments of society and the police.  Nevertheless, I remain steadfastly confident that systemic racism does not exist within the Toronto Police Service. I am convinced that the vast majority of police officers undertake their sworn duties in exemplary fashion.  Indeed, throughout my tenure as Chief of Police I have been consistently uncompromising in my expectations regarding the utmost in professional conduct.  With respect to racism, I have been equally unequivocal.  At the same time I acknowledge that, as human beings, we are not infallible.  Nonetheless, where inappropriate behaviour is discovered, it is dealt with firmly, fairly and within the scope of the law.  Simply put, I will not tolerate any manifestation of discriminatory conduct including racism on the part of any member of this Service. Moreover, in my opinion Policing A World Within A City – The Race Relations Initiatives of the Toronto Police Service report is testament to the Service’s exemplary record of performance in the field of race relations.  While it is not exhaustive, this report presents an inventory of the highlights of race relations initiatives undertaken by the Service which are indicative of the degree of involvement between Service members and the community.  This report also illustrates the accomplishments and responsiveness of our organization towards the issue, including recommendations for change, throughout the years.  It is self-evident that by any standards the Service has been an innovator in the vanguard of police race relations for at least a quarter of a century. As Chief of Police I am determined to ensure that the Toronto Police Service continues to promote and foster positive relationships with all citizens in all of the communities in the City of Toronto.