New Parking Officers Get First Class Training

Parking Enforcement Officers (PEOs) play a vital role in keeping a city running smoothly by managing traffic flow, ensuring fair access to parking and promoting safety on busy streets.

For a big city like Toronto, their job is even more essential, helping to reduce congestion, support efficient transit and maintain order in densely populated urban areas.

“The training you have completed has equipped you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in your career with the Toronto Police Service,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue told the newest graduates on November 14. “You will become familiar with the streets of Toronto and the city’s 158 neighbourhoods.”

Besides managing traffic flow, PEOs respond to hundreds of thousands of service calls, help recover stolen vehicles and work daily to protect vulnerable road users.

They also assist in emergencies, provide language interpretation and support grassroots crime prevention.

“Building trust with people is one of the top priorities of the Toronto Police Service and you will become an essential part of this mission,” said Pogue. “You will be a highly visible presence in our communities, and your impact will truly matter.”

A total of 72 percent of the graduating class of 36 speak an additional language, 13 speak two and one of them speaks five languages.

“This linguistic and cultural richness allows us to connect with communities across the city in meaningful ways,” noted Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll. “It means you can speak to people in their own languages, build trust and strengthen relationships. All of this is crucial to the partnership between police and the public that lies at the heart of everything we do.”

In addition, 86 percent of the graduates completed post-secondary education and 83% have volunteered in communities.

“This shows that kindness, compassion and generosity are already part of who you are,” added Carroll. “We are incredibly fortunate to have you join us. Your talents, skills and perspectives will help bring the community into the Service in a real and powerful way.”

Working in the security industry for almost four years, Deepak Kumar views parking enforcement as a natural extension of his experience.

“I am looking forward to the new role, working in the community and keeping residents safe,” he said. “The training was first-class, and we have the tools to do our job properly.”

Kumar won the Highest Academic Achievement Award with a mark of 99.3 percent.

Having played basketball throughout high school and college, Beyonce Hosang has developed strong teamwork, communication and collaboration skills.

“I am comfortable working in team environments, and I am approaching my role as a parking enforcement officer with the same mindset,” she said. “This is an opportunity for me to contribute to a team effort, support my colleagues and help the community effectively.”

Hosang, who is assigned to Parking Enforcement East, was the class valedictorian.

“This program challenged us in every way imaginable,” she said. “It tested our patience, our focus and our endurance. There were moments of frustration and moments when it would have been easy to give up. But we didn’t. We adapted, we supported one another, and we found strength in the process. Through the long days, the detailed lessons and the countless hours of preparation, we grew.”

On behalf of the class, Hosang thanked the instructors for their patience, dedication ad holding the class to a high standard.

“You reminded us that excellence isn’t achieved overnight,” she added. “It is built through discipline, humility and heart. You have shaped not just our knowledge, but our character and we will carry those lessons with us every day.”

The class trained for six weeks.

The recruits’ training covered many subjects, including writing handwritten and electronic tickets, towing, private property, fire routes, accessible parking, considerations and by-laws.

They also received training in crisis communications, defensive tactics, tactical communication, powers of arrest, occupational health & safety and ethics training at the police college.

Each new PEO is partnered for five weeks with a Coach Officer to mentor them and allow them to hone their skills so they can confidently perform their duties.

Learn more about a career as a Parking Enforcment Officer.