Human Rights Commission Report on Racial Profiling by Toronto Police

Overview

• The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released a comprehensive report on racial profiling by Toronto police.
• The report is described as the most detailed examination of police and race in Ontario.
• The inquiry utilized extensive internal police data from 2010 to 2017.

Key Findings

• Racial Profiling Practices:
  • The report examines stop-and-question practices, use of force, and arrests.
  • Focuses on offences like simple drug possession and compliance with bail conditions.
• Toronto Police Culture:
  • Investigated police culture, training, policies, and accountability mechanisms.
  • Highlights existing racial disparities in policing practices.

Personal Experiences

• Julius Haag:
  • Stopped by police for a "bicycle safety check" which turned into carding.
  • Describes the experience as offensive and dehumanizing.
• Impact on Black Canadians:
  • The report aims to highlight the generational damage caused by racial profiling.

Institutional Responses

• Toronto Police Reaction:
  • Police have "welcomed" the findings and have adopted new policies against carding.
  • The policies prohibit stopping individuals at random or based solely on race.
• Data Accessibility:
  • Internal police data has rarely been made public in Canada, making this report significant.

Expert Opinions

• Akwasi Owusu-Bempah:
  • Criticizes the lack of commitment from Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders to address racial discrimination.
  • Points out the "us versus them" mentality within police culture.

Recommendations

• Oversight and Accountability:
  • Proposal for a new oversight body focused on racism.
  • Calls for sustained training and transparent accountability for police officers.
• Long-term Efforts:
  • Emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts beyond the publication of reports.

Author

• Nick Boisvert:
  • Multimedia journalist with experience in municipal politics.
  • Contact: [email protected]

Additional Resources

• Articles and reports related to racial profiling and the OHRC inquiry:
  • A year after Ontario moved to restrict carding, has anything changed?
  • Why these young men feel 'guilty until proven innocent' in Toronto
  • Probe into racial profiling by Toronto police