Statement: Public Trust in Policing

Recent events have challenged the trust between the public and police; trust that the vast majority of our officers strive to build day in and day out. We respect the right to take action and protest and call on everyone to adhere to peaceful action and peaceful protest especially while we all wait for facts to be released. 

The policing profession is based on dedication to service and protecting lives. Values like respect, honesty, diversity, courage, and dedication must always be the hallmarks of policing. Above all, we must all trust in and support each other. It is imperative that police engage in respectful dialogue with members of all communities and that voices are heard. That builds trust.

It’s also imperative that all of us – members of our communities and police service members – have access to timely information related to tragic events. Communities and families as well as our police members – whose mental health and well-being is significantly impacted by such events – want and expect answers. In the absence of information, silence becomes a void in the public’s trust in our justice system, including in law enforcement.

Every police investigation follows due process to get timely and informed answers for victims of crime, families, loved ones, and the broader community. However, recent events have demonstrated that without transparency, including by oversight bodies such as the Province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), public trust in the police and the justice system is undermined.

In these unprecedented times where the health and safety of Ontarians is of prime importance for all first responders, we must come together and build trust.

 Jeff McGuire                                                                                                                                                                                      Executive Director

Issued: May 31, 2020