Toronto police have launched a new website aimed at showing their positive work with the public.
The website, called ‘How We Do It TPS’, features videos of officers participating in community events, interviews with members of the public, spotlights on veteran officers and statistics about seized weapons and arrests in the city.
Speaking with CP24 on Tuesday, Chief Mark Saunders said the website is meant to foster a better understanding of “what the return of investment is with the work officers do.”
“It’s a way to see what we are… the complete story. There isn’t another forum for that, it’s always one-dimensional,” Saunders said. “This way you get to see the real in-depth, great work that we do day-to-day. And not by our uniforms but from some tremendous civilians as well.”
One portion of the site is dedicated to community outreach and programs, while another reviews a tally of gun seizures, arrests and 911 calls received.
“It’s really good to see this other side because there’s always one side that tends to be seen all the time,” Saunders said. “This shows a fuller dimension of the Toronto police service. I’m excited, it’s overdue.”
The website launch comes at a time when increased gun violence in Toronto has sparked public outrage and calls for police and city officials to take action.
Figures released by Toronto police indicate that shooting incidents are up 47 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Speaking with CP24, Saunders said the new website is meant to show that police care and are engaged constantly with the public.
“It’s really good to see this other side because there’s always one side that tends to be seen all the time,” Saunders told CP24.
“This shows a fuller dimension of the Toronto police service. I’m excited, it’s overdue.”
