Organizational News

The Toronto Police Service is commemorating the fifth anniversary of the release of Missing and Missed - Report of The Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations and reaffirming its commitment to meaningful, measurable, and community-driven change.

The Service has implemented 98 of the 151 recommendations, reflecting progress in strengthening investigative practices, improving relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and enhancing support for the families and loved ones of missing persons.

Released in 2021, the Report called for systemic reform in how the Service responds to missing persons cases, particularly involving marginalized communities. Over the past five years, the Service has worked closely with the Missing and Missed Implementation Team (MMIT), community partners, and subject‑matter experts to advance these recommendations and embed long-term, sustainable change.

This anniversary marks a continued shift from policy to people — moving beyond written directives to consistent, relationship‑based actions that place communities at the centre of every decision. Some of these actions include:

• The development of Community Conversation Circles in 2025, to create community led spaces that bring together residents, service providers, and police to foster open dialogue, share experiences, and inform more inclusive approaches. The Circles will continue in 2026, further strengthening these spaces for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
• Strengthening the Service’s missing persons response through enhanced practices including improved search management practices, coordination across units and partner agencies, expanded tools and resources for investigators, and more transparent communication with members of the community who are impacted when a loved one goes missing. These improvements reflect the understanding that trust is essential to effective outcomes, and that those impacted deserve clear, compassionate, and consistent support throughout the process.
• Improved accessibility to ensure families and communities have clear, inclusive and culturally responsive information. The Service has developed community‑informed resources, including The Community Guide to Report a Person Missing, and information sheets translated into 21 different languages. These practical tools help families navigate the reporting and investigative process and were co-created through input from community and partner organizations as well as Service members.

Work continues on the remaining 53 recommendations, along with a continued commitment to full implementation. Over the past year, this work has resulted in expanded community engagement, the development of new resources, and meaningful operational improvements that demonstrate a commitment to sustained and impactful change.

“Five years since the Missing and Missed Report, one of the most important shifts has been in how we engage with communities. This work is not only about implementing recommendations – it is about making lasting change by building relationships through consistent, respectful, and meaningful engagement. By listening and working alongside communities, we are strengthening trust, shaping a more responsive approach, and co-developing resources that reflect community needs and experiences, allowing for more efficient and community centered service delivery.” – Chief Myron Demkiw

“Marking five years since the Missing and Missed Report is both a moment of reflection and a reminder that this work continues as we move toward fully implementing all recommendations. The progress we’ve seen reflects the power of meaningful community engagement, where trust is built through listening, shared accountability, and consistent action. As we move forward, keeping community voices at the centre will continue to strengthen relationships and guide the path forward.” – Natalie Sitt, MMIT Community Co-Chair

The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to delivering police services in partnership with our communities to keep Toronto the best and safest place to be. We are committed to being a world leader in policing through excellence, innovation, continuous learning, quality leadership, and management.