Organizational News

Today at the Toronto Police Service Board meeting, Chief of Police Myron Demkiw presented the actions implemented, and he announced additional steps taken by the Service to strengthen accountability and public trust following York Regional Police’s Project South investigation.

“While the alleged conduct by the those arrested in Project South does not reflect the values or professionalism of our members, it has reinforced the responsibility we have to confront risk, strengthen oversight, and uphold public trust,” said Chief of Police Myron Demkiw. “We are taking clear steps to address these issues and to ensure the Service continues to meet the high standards expected by the communities we serve.”

Following the Project South announcement last month, senior leaders immediately engaged directly with members, reinforced expectations of professional conduct, strengthened supervision at 12 Division, and ensured wellness supports were available to members.

Chief Demkiw, along with Chair Shelley Carroll of the Toronto Police Service Board, also jointly requested an inspection by the Inspector General of Policing focused on five areas. The Service is committed to collaborating with the Inspector General and fully supporting his work.

And the Service will continue to cooperate with the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency.

Today, building on these immediate actions, TPS committed to several long-term Service-wide initiatives including:

• Enhanced internal accountability, including adding a dedicated inspection team to the Professional Standards Unit, and the expansion and transition of the current Investigative Support Unit to the newly formed Anti-Corruption Enforcement Team
• The Chief’s Anti‑Corruption Project will focus on strengthening safeguards related to supervision, vetting, information access, evidence management, and fitness for duty
• The “One TPS” Project, will reinforce ethical behaviour, leadership alignment, shared purpose, and a consistent professional culture across all ranks and roles.

These projects will be supported by dedicated teams and working groups made up of uniform and civilian members. The TPA and Senior Officers’ Organization have also been invited to participate.

“We promised our members, and members of the public, that our response would be swift, clear-eyed, and decisive. We are making changes now, and we will continue to adapt as needed to align with the work of the Inspector General,” said Chief Demkiw. "These initiatives are about accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement. They are also about supporting our members, strengthening our culture in a positive way, and ensuring that trust in policing is earned and upheld every day.”

The Service remains committed to transparency, independent oversight, and ongoing communication with the public and the Toronto Police Service Board. Further updates will be provided to the public as this work progresses.