In response to an evolving security landscape, the Toronto Police Service is taking operational action to keep our communities safe by strengthening how we identify, prevent, and respond to terrorism and violent extremism. 

The Service is establishing a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Security Unit (CTSU) to provide continuity, oversight, and proactive risk mitigation through an intelligence-led, evidence-based approach. The CTSU will also improve information‑sharing and complement the integrated response that exists between our many security partner agencies. 

“At a time of heightened tensions, and in light of the firearm discharges targeting synagogues and the U.S. Consulate in Toronto and other violent, hate-motivated incidents around the world, the Toronto Police Service continues to take proactive action. The CTSU will strengthen our existing security partnerships with the RCMP, the OPP, and local and international law enforcement partners, to identify and disrupt potential threats impacting Toronto and the GTA.”  

While this action is not connected to one immediate threat, Toronto is seeing a more complex threat environment influenced by global conflicts, online radicalization, and extremism, along with a significant increase in hate crimes. These incidents have the potential to escalate into more serious forms of extremism, requiring the need for enhanced prevention and response measures. 

“The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Central Region’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams (INSET) work in close collaboration with federal, provincial, and municipal police services across Canada and recognize the value of local expertise. The RCMP welcomes the Toronto Police Service’s commitment to community safety with their new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit. We look forward to the ongoing collaboration with INSET, and within the new unit to ensure that we remain able to respond to threats to public safety in Canada’s largest city.” – Assistant Commissioner, Matt Peggs, Regional Commander, Federal Policing – Central Region 

The Service is also launching Task Force Guardian to enhance police visibility in key locations including critical infrastructure, high-traffic public spaces, tourist attractions, and places of worship. This initiative will involve uniformed officers equipped with patrol rifles and other long guns as part of a deterrence strategy.  

The presence of these officers is intended to deter potential acts of violence and ensure officers are positioned to respond quickly if needed.  

The deployments are being actioned to protect people, support communities, and ensure residents can gather and move through the city safely. 

These new measures are informed by global best practices and reflect the Service’s commitment to proactively addressing emerging threats, while continuing to keep our communities safe.