Uniformed and armed police officers will regularly patrol schools in Toronto, Police Chief Bill Blair confirmed Tuesday.

The Toronto District School Board suggested the police presence would be "casual and low-key" but Blair said that his officers would do what they could to ensure schools remain safe.

"I believe in a strong presence, a permanent presence, a consistent presence in some schools would be a tremendous benefit," he said.

He said having a consistent presence of officers will help build trust between youth and police.

About 20 public schools and six Catholic schools are expected to have a constant police presence in their hallways.

Last month the TDSB approved a recommendation by a safety panel to have police involved in the public school system.

The safety panel authored a report after 15-year-old Jordan Manners was gunned down in a school hallway.