Chief: Expect Increased Police Presence

In response to the terrorist attack in Israel last weekend, Chief Myron Demkiw said there will be an increased police presence at Jewish and Palestinian gathering places across the city so residents feel safe in going about their daily lives.

At a media conference at police headquarters on October 12, he added the police presence will be expanded to include cultural centres, synagogues, mosques, schools and other places of worship across the city after the terror attacks have shaken people's sense of security here in Toronto.

“The Toronto Police Service will do everything we can as law enforcement to help Toronto families, businesses, and all of our residents feel safe as they go about their daily lives,” said the Chief, noting he has met with community leaders to talk about how the police can help.

To this end, two Command Posts will be set up at Bathurst St./Lawrence Ave. W. and Bathurst St./Glencairn Ave. to serve local communities, take reports and serve as a location where police officers will be on the ground and easily reached by those communities if needed.

“Local Divisional officers and Auxiliary officers will be on duty,” said Demkiw. “People can expect to see a continued, increased police presence for the foreseeable future.”

He said the Command and senior leadership of the Toronto Police Service has directed that all Divisions ensure a high visibility presence of officers across the city.

“Since this past weekend, all officers have been advised to have their uniforms ready and be available for deployment, and this morning I spoke with all unit commanders to underline this priority,” he noted.

Earlier this week, Demkiw met with leaders from Jewish and Palestinian communities to discuss the Service’s role as law enforcement, public safety in the city, and how police can help residents over the coming days and weeks.

“The Toronto Police Service and our Hate Crime Unit will aggressively

pursue any alleged or suspected incidents of hate crime or hate motivated behavior in our city,” warned the Chief. “There will no tolerance of any forms of hate and intimidation.”

Demkiw encouraged residents to report any allegations of hate motivated incidents to police for investigation.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. When there is no immediate safety concern, call the non-emergency line at 416-808-2222. Anonymous reports can be made to Toronto Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Demkiw said the Service is working with federal, provincial and municipal law enforcement partners to ensure coordination and information sharing.