Toronto Police will not hesitate to enforce the law and make arrests where warranted during ongoing demonstrations stemming from the crisis in the Middle East.
“Policing such events in a free and democratic society presents unique challenges,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said at a news conference at police headquarters on April 7. “We respect the right to assembly and expression, but it’s crucial to understand that these rights are not limitless. There are laws and regulations that must be adhered to, and it’s the responsibility of Toronto Police to enforce them.”
Service members have attended hundreds of demonstrations over the past seven months and Pogue said the Service will continue to uphold the right to demonstrate lawfully while limiting disruptions to the city, and ensuring that everyone feels a sense of safety.
“It’s important to recognize the potential consequences of obstructing police and interfering with our ability to maintain order,” she added. “The choice to do so only escalates tensions and may lead to confrontations that pose risks to the safety of all involved. The conflict in the Middle East has inflicted deep trauma on many in our city. With loved ones directly affected, feelings of helplessness and frustration intensify as the conflict persists.
“This is understandable, but it’s imperative that Torontonians stand together. Turning against each other or resorting to violence towards fellow citizens and police is not the answer. Large protests are once again expected this weekend. We are asking demonstrators to work with us to ensure peaceful and orderly demonstrations, and to recognize the city’s patience throughout months of disruptions.”
With the expectation that these demonstrations will continue, including this weekend, Pogue reiterated the Service’s role and expectations in managing them.
She said officers are well versed in their authorities during demonstrations.
“When they take action, it is unacceptable to obstruct them or become aggressive towards them,” Pogue said. “We have engaged in ongoing discussions with protest organizers for many months. We have been clear on what lawful demonstrations include and do not include.
“Despite our repeated warnings and cautions, some protestors on Saturday refused to cooperate or follow police directives. This culminated in physical aggression towards our officers – a serious departure from the principles of lawful demonstration.”
Two individuals were arrested for assaulting police officers with weapons on Saturday, March 30. Additionally, one more arrest was made this week for spitting on an officer, and another person is being sought for striking a police horse.
“These actions are anything but peaceful,” Pogue noted. “They jeopardize the safety of all involved, including those who get caught in the fray and had no intentions of engaging in altercations with police. I want to acknowledge that not everyone participating in these demonstrations are law breaking or aggressive towards police.
“However, there are individuals consistently involved in these protests who act as agitators, and who are becoming increasingly confrontational and violent.”
The Service’s Major Incident Command Centre continues to operate seven days a week and officers are attending demonstrations nearly every day, some involving thousands of people.
“We are taking officers away from their work for a day or two to help respond to this,” said Pogue. “There is always going to be an impact on other work in the Service. What we want to ensure is our core service delivery and seeing where we need to be when the public calls us is not impacted.”
The cost of policing the protests has now surpassed $12 million, highlighting the substantial commitment the Service is making to ensure public safety.