'A Band-Aid solution': Ford responds to increased police presence on the TTC following surge in violence
As of Friday, there are 80 Toronto police officers scattered across TTC property after a week filled with violence across the network, which Ontario Premier Doug Ford said “is great,” but not enough of a solution to resolve the issue that has left some customers anxious to ride the transit.
“It’s a band-aid solution,” Ford said at an unrelated news conference on Friday. “It’s not a full team there. That’s what we need.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The city’s top brass announced the deployment on Thursday following a number of violent incidents that have occurred on the network, which have included stabbings, assaults, and robberies.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw made the announcement alongside Mayor John Tory, as well as TTC CEO Rick Leary, and said the 80 officers – who will work overtime to cover the shifts – will be focused on reducing victimization, preventing crimes of opportunity, and enhancing public safety.
"Officers from across the city are participating in this enhancement and those who ride the transit will immediately notice an increased presence of Toronto police officers in the subways, on the streetcars and buses,” Demkiw said.
It’s unclear how much the enhanced deployment will cost the city, or when it will end, but Demkiw said those are factors under consideration.
Some TTC customers riding the transit Friday morning welcomed the increased police presence.
“It’s good to have police officers on the subway. I’ve been hearing a lot lately about things happening. So yeah, I definitely feel better,” said one rider.
“I think that it’s interesting. I feel like we need a lot more security, but it’s also a little bit scary with everything that’s going on,” said another. “I feel like the incidents have been piling up and it’s now time to actually do something. So hearing that [more police are on the TTC] is nice.”
Ford went on to say that he realizes policing is just one part of the solution to a multi-layered problem, and pointed to his government’s $3.8-billion investment in mental health services over 10 years through its Roadmap to Wellness initiative, as another element of provincial support for the city.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks as he holds a press conference regarding the Toronto Metropolitan University's new School of Medicine in Brampton., Ont., on Friday, January 27, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
The premier bookended his comments on the issue by again calling for bail reform.
“We can't have police officers in the GTA, or anywhere in Ontario, arrest really, really bad people and criminals shooting up our streets and then they get out the next day on bail,” Ford said.
Ford, who has called for changes to the country’s bail system a number of times throughout his tenure, most recently raised the issue following the death of Const. Greg Pierzchala. It was revealed through court documents that one of the two people facing a first-degree murder charge in the OPP officer’s death was out on bail.
“These criminals doing that. That's unacceptable. We'll do everything we can to make those changes to bail reform,” Ford said.
Toronto Mayor John Tory said Thursday's announcement of more police in the system is just one step toward addressing safety concerns on public transit that came out of discussions between the city, the TTC, its union representatives, and police.
"I know many people who use the TTC -- the passengers are anxious and even scared," said Tory. "They must know that we are doing everything we can."
Tory also addressed criticism he's received over increasing the city's police budget and said the investments "are still a necessary part of the safety answers for today and tomorrow."
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'