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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
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Results for police use of force (toronto)
1 results foundAuthor: Toronto Police Service. Use of Force Committee Title: Use of Force Committee: Final Report Summary: In May, 1997, the Chief of Police, David Boothby, established a committee to review all aspects of police use of force. The mandate of the Committee was, “to examine if there are ways to reduce the necessity for the application of deadly force, without compromising officer safety, and to communicate findings to the public (TP Media Release, 97.06.16).” Staff Inspector Ken Cenzura was named chair. The Use of Force Committee was comprised of representatives from the Training and Education Unit, the Emergency Task Force, Public Safety Unit, Corporate Planning, Operational Support Command, the Chief’s Staff, Detective Support Command, and the Field Commands. As well, the Service’s Forensic Consultant, Dr Peter Collins, and Constable Andrew Clarke, Toronto Police Association, participated. The use of deadly force by police in recent years has come under closer scrutiny by the police and the community. The issues surrounding such use of force are complex and have generated much debate and concern. At the outset it must be stated that the safety of police officers is recognized as a fundamental concern and this report and subsequent recommendations are not intended to compromise that safety in any way. Indeed, the issue of officer and community safety formed the foundation for the Committee’s work. This report also takes into account that there are no philosophies or practises which will anticipate the entire range of human behaviour that officers might encounter in the course of police work. Nevertheless, the Committee recognizes its responsibility to explore any reasonable option if it may help officers cope with violent or potentially violent situations. The Committee has conducted extensive research into this topic by contacting many other police agencies in Canada, the United States and Australia. Further research was conducted by reviewing the literature, academic studies, correspondence, books and publications associated with the use of deadly force, less lethal weapons and dealing with emotionally disturbed persons. While much of the empirical data had been collected outside of Canada, many of the lessons learned from the research have equal application to law enforcement in our country. A survey of front line officers representing the field command was conducted resulting in valuable input touching on the issues identified by the Committee. As well, the Committee collected data on officer involved shootings in Toronto during the past 10 years, which allows an analytical study of these incidents to be completed. The Training and Education Unit was tasked with reviewing current training dealing with crisis resolution. As a result a proposed course was drafted that attempts to incorporate the findings of the Committee. The course is designed to meet the needs of front line officers. The emphasis will be upon identification and transition from one force option to another force option within the context of the scenario, thus establishing versatility and flexibility in crisis resolution techniques. While recognizing that officer safety is the critical concern, the course will balance the emphasis placed on force options between escalation and disengagement and containment responses. A broad spectrum of issues was identified including the nature and availability of rules and directives, training and equipment, Service resources and support, community and professional resources and support; and reliable internal information and data. The Committee undertook to respond to the following six areas which have become the Committee’s terms of reference. 1. Development of and Compliance with Rules & Directives. 2. Supervision. 3. Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training. 4. Identification of Less Lethal Force Options. 5. Dealing with Emotionally Disturbed Persons. 6. Expansion of Emergency Task Force Special Weapons Teams. The Committee worked from May 1997 to March 1998. It found that experiences faced by our organization, in relation to officer involved shootings, mirror those of other law enforcement agencies and therefore validate the research and research methods of the Committee. Consequently, to address the findings, 31 recommendations, grouped according to the Terms of Reference, are proposed. The Committee is of the view that some of the recommendations can be implemented immediately with minimal impact on the operating budget. The remaining recommendations have financial implications totalling $2.39 million, which may affect scheduling. However, with their implementation, the Committee is convinced these recommendations will enhance officer and community safety, thereby promoting public confidence in our Service. Details: Toronto: Toronto Police Service, 1998. 119p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed march 16, 2011 at: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/1998useofforce.pdf Year: 1998 Country: Canada URL: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/1998useofforce.pdf Shelf Number: 121025 Keywords: Mentally IllPolice AdministrationPolice TrainingPolice Use of Force (Toronto) |