Statement from Chief Mark Saunders on the Yonge Street tragedy

Statement from Chief Mark Saunders on the Yonge Street tragedy

Thursday, April 26, 2018 - 3:22 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

The city of Toronto has been put on the world stage many times. From significant sporting events to major international festivals, we have become a preferred destination for tourists and event organizers because Toronto is known to be friendly, culturally diverse and, ultimately, safe.

On Monday April 23, 2018, our city was once again on the world stage but, this time, because a horrible act of violence claimed the lives of 10 people and injured 14. As the tragedy unfolded, this city banded together, volunteers flocked to help, first-responders did what they do best, and emergency medical personnel proved, once again, they are best-in-class.

The world watched as Constable Ken Lam relied on his training to de-escalate a situation and safely take a suspect into custody. He, along with so many others, responded bravely and without hesitation to that incident. They represent the best of us. They serve as exceptional examples of why the members of the Toronto Police Service are referred to as “Toronto’s finest” and I am proud of them.

While most incidents never reach this level of tragedy, on Monday cameras recorded the training our officers receive and exercise every single day. It is this training, with a focus on all aspects of decision-making, which results in force being used in less than 0.05% of all contacts we have with the public. It is a part of what makes our Service great.

The Toronto Police Service is undergoing a major modernization effort and I have made it clear, many times, that although we are transforming, we are starting from a place that is already great. Our people represent that foundation of excellence. The values we look for in future police officers speak about doing the right thing, connecting with compassion, having the ability to reflect and grow, and having service at their core. I see these reflected in our people every day, and they were spotlighted this week.

These values are why so many of us chose policing as a career, to make a difference and to be leaders inside the Service and our communities. It is a desire to serve and it is a calling for our officers.

The Toronto Police Service offers the opportunity to be a leader and partner in our communities and experience civic duty in action. Our members have the ability to work within various facets of policing, whether it is in frontline uniform duties, specialized operations, or complex investigative work. Many of these functions are unique to policing a big city like Toronto. They are provided the best training throughout their career, with additional opportunities to enhance their skills, abilities and knowledge base.

As the Chief of the Toronto Police Service, I am contacted almost daily from other police executives from around the world as they express interest in what is happening here. This week, record numbers of calls have been pouring in to offer support, express condolences and compliment the actions of all emergency service personnel.

I sincerely hope that no other attack like the happens again. However, as we move forward, we will continue to work, proactively, with our communities, to keep our city safe. We will also strive to recruit officers and civilian members who have the same kind of honourable character that we all saw in action this week and, as Chief, I get to see every day.

The city of Toronto deserves nothing less.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Chief Mark Saunders