SPECIAL MEETING ON APRIL 8, 2014 - POLICY ON STREET CHECKS, CARDING AND COMMUNITY CONTACTS

At its meeting of November 18, 2013, the Board considered the issue of “street checks” conducted by the police (also referred to as “carding” or the provision of contact cards) and heard concerns raised by the community about this process. In particular, the Board agreed that the potential for racial profiling associated with this practice is a significant issue that demands urgent attention. As a result, the Board determined that it would develop a policy on street checks and carding. The Board has retained Mr. Frank Addario, a prominent lawyer with significant expertise in criminal and constitutional law, to assist in providing legal advice in the development of its policy and in charting a framework for moving forward. At the commencement of the Board’s public meeting of March 13, 2014, Mr. Addario made a detailed presentation on a draft policy to govern street checks, carding and community contacts. A copy of the draft policy and the legal opinion provided by Mr. Addario are available on the Board's  website.    The Board will be holding a special public meeting on the evening of Tuesday April 8, 2014, at 6:00 PM, in the Auditorium at Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, to solicit public input on the draft policy. Members of the public who wish to make a deputation should contact Ms. Deirdre Williams at 416-808-8094 or, by email at deirdre.williams@tpsb.ca, no later than April 7, 2014 at 4:00 PM for further information.  In addition, members of the public who wish to provide a written submission (either in addition to or instead of a deputation) may do so by contacting Ms. Williams.