Its a first. Toronto Police have launched a video for young people so they can better learn and understand their rights.

The force said the video is the first in its Know Your Rights campaign. It was launched at the beginning of Black History Month in February.

The video, produced in partnership with Konvo Media, explains a person’s rights and a police officer’s responsibilities during various interactions.
“Positive interactions between the police and the public are critical to enhancing trust and accountability,” said Chief of Police Jim Ramer. “This is achieved when everybody feels they can speak to police officers but, for some, this is not part of their lived experience.”
The service have been working since 2012 on the Police and Community Engagement Review, also known as PACER, to review procedures and practices relating to interactions between police officers and members of the community.
In 2020, with the 81 recommendations contained in the Toronto Police Services Board report on police reform, Ramer reconstituted the committee into PACER 2.0, to provide advice, support, and hold the Service accountable throughout implementation.

“The street check regulation and the ban on carding were important first steps in addressing racial profiling but it is still so important for everyone, especially young people, to understand what their rights are when approached by police officers,” said committee member, Knia Singh. “These interactions work out better when both sides are informed and respectful.”

Under the leadership of co-chairs Inspector Kelly Skinner and Singh, a sub-committee was formed with a focus to deliver a Know Your Rights campaign.
The PACER 2.0 Committee, co-chaired by Superintendent Stacy Clarke and Audrey Campbell (Jamaican Canadian Association), is comprised of both officers and civilian members including Acting Deputy Chief Myron Demkiw, Superintendent Pauline Gray, Inspector Kelly Skinner, Yvette Blackburn (Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, GJDC – Canadian Representative), Jennifer Chambers (Executive Director, Empowerment Council), Dave D’Oyen, Stephen Linton, Stephen McCammon (Legal Counsel, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario), John O’Dell and Knia Singh (Principal Lawyer, Ma’at Legal Services).

The video is the first phase of the Service’s ongoing commitment to working with PACER 2.0, young people, and other community organizations on future campaigns that reflect community concerns and speak to a variety of lived experiences and interactions between the public and police officers.

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