From Impact to Action: Final report into anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service
By The Ontario Human Rights Commission
From Impact to Action makes the finding that Black people are subjected to systemic racial discrimination, racial profiling, and anti-Black racism by the TPS and the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB). The finding is supported by evidence gathered throughout the inquiry, including data analysis and consultations with Black communities. This finding confirms the need for change to challenge longstanding practices, which perpetuate anti-Black racism in Toronto policing.
The final report describes the results of consultation with Black communities and policing stakeholders and identifies gaps in TPS and TPSB policies and procedures including stops and searches, charges and arrests, use of force, anti-racism initiatives and monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
“I am grateful to the many Black communities, individuals, police officers and experts who provided input to make this report and its recommendations comprehensive,”
said Patricia DeGuire, OHRC’s Chief Commissioner. “Their openness and diligence were essential in delivering the final report and evidence-based practices which, if followed, will enable a cultural transformation within TPS.”
The OHRC’s recommendations include:
purging the TPS database of photographs, fingerprints or other biometric information from charges that do not result in convictions
requiring supervisory approval and/or equity audits of charges
revising policies and procedures to clearly set out circumstances where unnecessary force should not be used
expanding the collection, analysis and reporting of race-based data on stop, searches, charges, arrests and use of force
providing greater transparency on officer discipline
taking proactive investigative steps following tribunal or court decisions that contain findings of racial profiling, racial discrimination or violations of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
integrating scenario-based training on anti-Black racism into other training programs with effective evaluation
developing a distinct policy or procedure on racial profiling
supporting calls to expand civilian-led mental health crisis response services
The OHRC acknowledges the positive steps the TPS and TPSB have taken to address anti-Black racism and discrimination in policing since the start of the inquiry. The Commission is committed to continued engagement with the TPS and TPSB to work towards implementing the recommendations through legally binding and specific actions.
Toronto: The Commission, 2023.