It will be the responsibility of Chief Myron Demkiw to work with his team to operationalize the budget provided by the City of Toronto. We are committed to working with the Service on recruitment and retention strategies, alternative service delivery models, and responsible staffing and deployment decisions that will improve response times and community safety. There are many factors that will reduce wait times and the pathway to hiring more police officers is long but the Service and the Association are committed to improving service delivery for Torontonians and for our members.

The pathway to hiring more police officers is long and includes recruitment, training, and deployment so the right people are in the right places at the right time. The Service has committed to developing a multi-year hiring strategy that will allow for a consistent flow of new officers. This will not only allow for more members to respond to calls for service but it will also allow for proper supervision of these members, as others are able to move into higher positions. Keeping staffing numbers at an optimal level works best when there is a steady and consistent flow of new members to replace retirees and resignations. A long-term strategy created by the Service, and supported by the Association, will make this happen.

With the budget provided by the City of Toronto, the TPS will be able to hire 360 additional police officers in 2024.