Let's build a safe Toronto with a multfaceted strategy.

Public Safety Policy

Increase Police Budget: Increasing the Toronto Police Services budget at the rate of inflation is proposed. This ensures that the police force has the necessary resources to effectively carry out duties and maintain law and order. Priorities and implementation strategies should be revaluated to ensure public safety is not compromised. As a racialized resident of Toronto, the importance of not compromising public safety due to internal issues within the Toronto Police Services is recognized. A concerted effort will be made to ensure that every resident, regardless of race, feels equally protected and served by the Toronto Police Services. Additionally, advocacy for the Toronto Police Services members to be more reflective of the communities it serves will be a priority.

Police Training and Accountability: The importance of ongoing training for police officers, particularly in areas such as de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and implicit bias, is strongly emphasized. Strengthening mechanisms for police accountability to ensure that misconduct is properly addressed is also proposed.

Community Policing: Building stronger relationships between the police force and the community through community policing strategies is the aim. This includes addressing the experiences of racialized communities with the Toronto Police Services, increasing foot patrols, enhancing community engagement programs, and increasing transparency and communication. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that caters to all communities, particularly those that are marginalized.

Crime Prevention through Social Services: Recognition of crime's social roots and addressing these underlying issues is imperative. Investment in social services can help prevent crime, and programs aimed at youth, mental health services, addiction services, and housing initiatives are proposed. This multifaceted approach can tackle the root causes of crime, leading to a safer city.

Public Transit Safety: In light of concerns about violence on the TTC, enhancing safety on public transit is proposed. This involves a greater use of special constable presence, improved lighting, and the use of security cameras. It is recognized that using highly trained and experienced members of the Toronto Police Services may not always be the most cost-effective solution. Therefore, exploration of alternative methods that ensure safety without compromising fiscal responsibility is aimed for.

Gun Violence Prevention: A comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy is proposed in response to concerns about gun violence. Collaboration with provincial and federal partners to strengthen gun control and invest in local initiatives to interrupt the cycle of violence will be a priority.

Collaboration with Other Levels of Government: Working closely with provincial and federal partners to secure necessary funding and policy support for these initiatives is proposed. This could involve advocating for changes in laws, funding for specific programs, and coordination on issues like gun control.

Citizen Involvement: Promoting initiatives that involve citizens in public safety, such as neighborhood watch programs, is proposed. These initiatives can help build community cohesion and empower citizens to contribute to their own safety.

Mental Health Crisis Response: Strengthening alternative response programs for mental health crises, where trained mental health professionals respond to certain emergency calls instead of, or alongside, police officers, is proposed. This approach can lead to better outcomes for individuals in crisis and reduce the burden on police resources.

This policy seeks to balance a tough stance on crime with a recognition that public safety also involves addressing the social issues that contribute to crime.

It also underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement in maintaining a safe and inclusive city.