Crime and Safety Update

It is clear to me that issues around public safety and crime remain top of mind for residents across Don Valley West. While Toronto is currently ranked the safest city in North America, I want to ensure that the residents of Ward 15 continue to feel safe and secure in our neighbourhoods.

Toronto Police are integral to our community-based safety efforts. As part of the 2019 Toronto City Budget, City Council approved more than 300 new officers. This is on top of the more than 200 police officers the City provided funding for in 2018. These 500 new officers will help to ensure that Toronto Police have the front-line resources they need to keep our neighbourhoods safe.

In order to ensure that these new police officers are able to direct their efforts to high priority and emergency situations, Toronto Police will be 'civilianizing' 184 uniform positions. This means that, in 2019, 184 positions within TPS will be filled by civilian employees rather than officers. These positions are largely administrative, freeing up officers whose time is better spent in our communities. This initiative is one of many that Toronto Police are exploring to deliver more effective service to residents.