Toronto Police Service

The City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service have officially launched the 'Make the Right Call' campaign. Toronto Fire Services (Interim) Chief Larry Cocco and Deputy Chief Paul Fitzgerald joined Mayor Olivia Chow, along with our dedicated emergency service partners and City representatives, to kick off this important initiative. Together, we’re committed to ensuring the safety of all Torontonians. More details: https://bit.ly/3NJKAOJ #Toronto

Today I joined child welfare agencies to raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable children, youth and families. #DressPurpleDay2024 reminds us of the importance of ensuring resources are available to support the safety and wellbeing of our residents who may need help.

Today, Chief Myron Demkiw, M.O.M., Mayor Olivia Chow, the Canadian Black Clergies & Allies & faith leaders led the city-wide #TPSPrayerWalk. This interfaith walk, which started 19 years ago in Etobicoke to meet with the community and pray, has now expanded service-wide. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Our Toronto Police Service Wellness Team and our officers who developed our Military Veterans Wellness Program were very well received at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference. I am incredibly proud of all our members and the impact they are having. Also looking forward to serving as the Vice-Chair of the Global Policing Steering Committee. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gkctw_vV

The safety of the Jewish community and all communities in Toronto remains our top priority. Since the shooting at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School on October 12, our officers have worked tirelessly to find those responsible and ensure the safety of our community. Yesterday, our members arrested two people responsible for this violence. A special thank you to our Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, Hate Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services, and our partners at the Centre of Forensic Sciences for their continued dedication to the safety and security of our communities. Our increased police presence will continue across the city as long as necessary.

On World Mental Health Day, the Toronto Police Service held its annual Wellness Day, bringing together hundreds to discuss the impact of job-related trauma, build operational resilience, and explore first-responder-specific support resources. I also reflected on how far the organization has come. When I joined the Service in 2018, our wellness approach was primarily reactive. Proactive initiatives were limited, and our organizational wellbeing programs often faced skepticism. Wellness data was scattered and unreliable. We were just beginning to grasp the implications of the Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act, presumptive legislation that PTSD is work-related , focusing on costs and productivity losses rather than on wellbeing. Recognizing the need for a modern perspective, we developed a wellbeing strategy in 2020 under the leadership of Ivy Nanayakkara emphasizing: 1. Trust and access 2. Health prevention and promotion 3. An ecosystem of care and support 4. Culture and behavior We shifted the conversation from viewing wellness as primarily an employee-driven process to acknowledging the crucial role employers and work environments play in fostering individual and organizational wellbeing. Our investments in people, infrastructure, and partnerships are showing returns—not just in reduced absences and claims, but more profoundly, in enhanced employee engagement and the quality of public safety service delivery. Today, we embrace progressive approaches that address mental, physical, social, and overall life health. We’ve established first responder-specific partnerships, created processes for early and safe return to work, and fostered a culture of health promotion—all supported by data and innovative thinking! While there is more work to do, we have a clear understanding of the opportunities ahead. The conversations in our hallways have truly evolved. A special thank you to Ivy Nanayakkara Lanie Schachter-Snipper for their exceptional leadership, program development, and tireless efforts in driving our organization, and broader sector forward. Myron Demkiw, M.O.M.

Wishing a peaceful and meaningful Yom Kippur to all those observing.

Mental health plays a crucial role in every profession, including policing. Job stress can affect well-being and quality of life, but by opening up and seeking support, we can break the stigma. Let’s have honest conversations about mental health. #WorldMentalHealthDay

On behalf of 53 Division, I’d like to thank our police colleagues and community members for the outpouring of support we have received for our injured officer. This is our third officer to sustain serious injuries in the line of duty in just three weeks. I’m relieved to report that all three officers are now recovering at home, surrounded by their families and supported by their peers. 💙

I don’t often share personal posts here, but today I am filled with gratitude after my wife and I visited Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to learn that after 5 years I am cancer free. To my family members & colleagues, and my care team: thank you for everything. Read my story: https://lnkd.in/gHgRwDfn