Toronto Police Chief James Ramer says the force is focusing on expanding its neighbourhood officer program and enhancing their response to mental health calls.

Ramer said officers are working with a Police and Community Engagement Review Committee (or PACER 2.0), to help identify and ‘address the needs of our community and how best to serve them.”

The Chief made the remarks as his, and other forces nationwide, mark Police Week, an annual celebration that runs from May 9 to 15 and highlights the important work that police do to serve and protect the public.

“Police Week is an ideal time for me to express my gratitude to the front-line police officers, 9-1-1 communicators, civilian staff, and all members of the Toronto Police Service who keep our citizens safe and healthy,” Ramer noted.
“With the continuation of the pandemic, we will once again be observing Police Week virtually, while recognizing that the ongoing challenges associated with COVID-19 mean that police, health care professionals and other first responders are playing a critical role in protecting our communities,” the Chief said.

“Police Week is an ideal time for me to express my gratitude to the front-line police officers, 9-1-1 communicators, civilian staff, and all members of the Toronto Police Service who keep our citizens safe and healthy,” he acknowledged.
“To our members, and members from police services across Canada, thank you again for the courage and compassion you show while keeping our neighbourhoods safe; and for the tireless work you do to establish critical relationships with our valued community partners.”

“We are focusing on the issues that mean the most to our communities, such as expanding our Neighbourhood Officer Program, enhancing our response to mental health calls, and working to help identify and address the needs of our communities and how best to serve them.”