Summary
"The Toronto Police Service responds to calls for service involving emotionally disturbed persons
or the mentally ill using sound, well-established practices and procedures. These practices and
procedures are the result of the latest worldwide research, benchmarking, experience,
consultation with subject matter experts, and inquest recommendations. Additionally, the
Service’s response includes practices that are informed by such research as the Canadian
Association of Chiefs of Police Mental Health Guidelines, and work done by the Canadian
Mental Health Commission of Canada. Evidence shows that in the overwhelming percentage of
cases, officers are successful in resolving incidents involving emotionally disturbed persons
safely and without resorting to apprehension or force. This fact can be attributed, in part, to
community cooperation and input, Board policies, Service procedures, supervision, and officers’
training, judgement, skills, and equipment. However, this enviable record does not, for a
moment, mean that the Service rests on its laurels. On the contrary, there is much the Service
continues to learn from the community, especially from consumer-survivors and those who serve
them. Their insight is incorporated into the Service’s Priorities, practices, and officer training.
While the Service is confident that it has achieved the right balance between crisis response and
the need to protect the vulnerable of society it continues to monitor its practices to ensure this
balance is maintained."--Conclusion.
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