Ford calls police presence on Toronto transit a 'Band-Aid' solution, calls on city to hire more officers
CBC
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the boost in police officers on Toronto transit in the wake of recent violence is a "Band-Aid solution" and is calling for the city to hire more police officers.
The premier's comments come a day after police announced more than 80 officers would, in a paid overtime capacity, be at Toronto Transit Commission locations to reduce victimization, prevent crimes of opportunity and enhance public safety. The move follows a series of violent cases on the TTC, including stabbings, BB gun shootings and an alleged swarming.
"We need full-time police officers because right now, we're really relying on the existing police officers to come in and sign up for the callbacks," Ford said Friday.
"It's not a full team there, that's what we need."
Some have criticized the expansion of police presence on transit, calling it a temporary measure that won't tackle the root causes of violence in the city.
But reaction among riders Friday was mixed.
Damira Pan, a transit user, said she has witnessed violence on system in the past and said having extra officers at subway stations made her feel safer.
"It is a good idea," she said after getting off a train at a downtown subway station on Friday morning. "I am always looking out for officers in case I am concerned about my safety."
Pan said the presence of police is especially needed during rush hours, when subways, buses and streetcars can get particularly crowded.
Seungbin Yoo, another commuter, said a visible police presence on transit could prevent violence, including potential hate crimes.
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He said he has been feeling unsafe using transit since the COVID-19 pandemic began because of his Asian features and the anti-Asian sentiment that surfaced around the pandemic.
"I feel very unsafe to use especially the streetcars at nights," he said.
Jaime Wilson, a transit rider, said having more police in the system doesn't help address potential underlying causes of violence, including homelessness and mental health issues.