Organizational News

A new community-informed initiative is launching August 1, 2024, that elevates the Service’s approach to community safety by enhancing officer visibility in several Toronto neighbourhoods.

Project Magnify is an innovative three-month pilot project that will see officers wearing “Guardian Angel” lights on their uniforms, and marked police vehicles in these areas will also have a feature available to officers to allow them to activate static red and blue lights on the rooftop light bar to increase visibility. 

 “At a series of town halls held late last year, the community made it clear they want to see police in their neighbourhoods, especially those most affected by gun violence.  This pilot project is all about increasing our visibility and amplifying our presence,” said Chief of Police Myron Demkiw.  “This enhanced visibility serves as a deterrent to criminal activity, ensuring that communities can fully enjoy their surroundings and public spaces without fear of harm or other criminal activity. It will also create more opportunities for community members to liaise with Toronto Police officers, strengthening relationships and trust.”

For the next three months, the pilot will operate in 14, 31 and 43 Divisions, along with our Public Safety Response Team (PSRT). Members operating police vehicles that are a part of this pilot will utilize the light bar when they are out in the community, responding to non-emergency calls, or during major events or areas of the city with large crowds.

The lights will also contribute to officer safety, making them more visible to motorists, pedestrians and other officers, or while in foot pursuits as they respond to dynamic situations.

Please see the Project Magnify video for more information and media can have unrestricted access to this material. Raw footage can also be found here.