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Toronto Sun
11-07-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
'Focused, fearless and full of heart' K-9 unit dog, Devi, is mourned following her death
Devi, a K-9 unit police dog in Toronto, has passed after over a decade of service including working the Pan Am Games. Photo by Toronto Police Association A 'beloved' K-9 Unit dog has died after more than a decade of service in Toronto including during the 2015 Pan Am Games. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Toronto Police Association says police service dog has Devi, who worked with handler T.C. Andrews, has passed. 'We're deeply saddened by the passing of Police Service Dog Devi, a beloved member of our K9 Unit,' said the TPA on it's X account. 'Devi was certified in Explosive Firearm Detection in May 2015, just in time for the Pan-Am Games, and spent over a decade working side by side with her handler, T.C. Andrews. She was exceptional at her job. Focused, fearless, and full of heart.' The TPA continues in its post on X: 'Devi left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her dedication, loyalty, and presence will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt condolences to T.C. Andrews and everyone who served with Devi.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. We're deeply saddened by the passing of Police Service Dog Devi, a beloved member of our K9 Unit. @TPSK9 Devi was certified in Explosive Firearm Detection in May 2015, just in time for the Pan-Am Games, and spent over a decade working side by side with her handler, T.C. Andrews.… — Toronto Police Association (@TPAca) July 10, 2025 Editorial Cartoons Relationships Toronto & GTA World Toronto Maple Leafs
CBC
07-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Ontario police associations launch recruiting campaign amid staffing shortage
Several police associations in Ontario are launching a joint campaign to recruit more officers amid staffing shortages across the province. The campaign, known as Answer the Call, will support over 50 police services in Ontario and is backed by the provincial government, according to a news release Monday. "Police services across Ontario are under real pressure to fill critical roles, and boards see that strain every day," said Lisa Darling, executive director of the Ontario Association of Police Service Boards, which is part of the initiative. She called the campaign a "practical response to a growing challenge" in a statement in Monday's news release. Other associations leading the initiative are the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Association of Ontario, Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario, Ontario Provincial Police Association and Toronto Police Association. Police staffing shortages are impacting public safety, response times and officer well-being, Monday's news release said. The initiative aims to address these shortages but is also focused on "modernizing recruitment and opening the door to a more diverse pool of candidates," the release said. More police doesn't guarantee greater safety: expert Ontario has made several changes to police training and recruitment in recent years — including scrapping a post-secondary education requirement and covering the costs of mandatory training. The province expanded the Ontario Police College in October to make room for 80 more cadets annually. The newly opened training spots, which are expected this year, will be reserved for small, medium and First Nation police services, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said at the time. Meanwhile, the Toronto Police Services Board approved a new five-year hiring plan in November, which would guarantee the force the maximum number of police officers that can be hired in 2025 and 2026. Toronto has a ratio of officers in the low 160s per 100,000 people, Chief Myron Demkiw said at the time. But more police does not necessarily mean greater safety, said Timothy Bryan, a sociology professor at the University of Toronto. Major cities in North America have high ratios of police officers to their population, but continue to have high rates of crime, he said. "Police services themselves will not guarantee an X per cent decline in crime if we have an X per cent increase in officers, because they know that that's not how it works," Bryan said. "These things are not quite linked in the way that they're being presented." He said it is important to consider issues that impact public safety and crime other than the number of police officers, such as poverty and other socioeconomic factors.
Toronto Sun
03-07-2025
- Toronto Sun
The legacy of Doc, the Toronto Police dog, 'will live on' after he passes away from cancer
Toronto Police Sgt. Andrew Haynes, and his Toronto Police Service dog, Doc, who has passed away from cancer after a year working with the K-9 unit. Photo by X/Toronto Police Association RIP Doc. The Toronto Police Service Dog known as Doc has passed away from cancer. 'In just over a year of service, he made a lasting impact, showing exceptional courage, loyalty, and dedication,' said the Toronto Police's Association in a posting on its X account, calling it: 'A heartbreaking loss for our members and the entire K9 Unit.' The unit sent 'our deepest condolences' to Doc's handler, Sgt. Andrew Haynes, and his family. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A heartbreaking loss for our members and the entire K9 Unit. @TPSK9Police Service Dog Doc passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. In just over a year of service, he made a lasting impact, showing exceptional courage, loyalty, and dedication. Our deepest… — Toronto Police Association (@TPAca) July 3, 2025 'The bond between them was unbreakable and the loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside Doc,' said the posting. 'He may have only worn the badge for a short time, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he protected and the lives he touched. Thank you for your service, Doc.' Editorial Cartoons Money News Sports Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors
Toronto Sun
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
PRIDE IN PERIL: Toronto Police Gaza protest OT bill leaves events 'vulnerable'
Toronto Police Association President warns potential staffing shortfalls could have 'a serious impact on public safety' Get the latest from Brad Hunter straight to your inbox A person participates in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images A dramatic change in police staffing could leave the city's annual Pride parade and related events in peril this weekend, the Toronto Sun has learned. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Toronto Police Association sent a letter – obtained by The Sun – to Pride's executive director Kojo Modeste in May, warning of potential staffing shortfalls that could leave events vulnerable. TPA President Clayton Campbell told The Sun that the organization and its members 'are not happy.' 'I don't like having a public fight with (Police Chief) Myron Demkiw, but this could have a serious impact on public safety,' Campbell said. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, revealing details of Project Yankee that targeted ongoing tow truck turf wars in Toronto as part of a joint forces investigation that started in October 2024. Photo by JACK BOLAND / TORONTO SUN The annual Dyke March is Saturday and the famous Pride Parade is Sunday. Over the past number of years, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) has sent specialized units such as the Emergency Task Force to big events. Other officers would be offered the opportunity to work events such as Pride, Canada Day and Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) for overtime. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. People participate in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images But this year, Chief Demkiw has deemed that 40% of the officers will work the holiday weekend for straight time. Campbell claims that's a breach of the collective agreement, so the TPA is grieving the move. More concerning is that 60% of the Pride staffing will be comprised of TPA members from specialized units like drugs, guns and gangs, and on-duty frontline officers from surrounding divisions. TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 30: A person participates in the 43rd annual Toronto Pride Parade on June 30, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Harold Feng / Getty Images That leaves active investigations hanging and the rest of the city vulnerable. 'Pride deserves proper policing, but so do the rest of the citizens. The work of drugs and guns and gangs doesn't stop because it's Pride,' Campbell said. 'It's all about saving money.' Since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel and the resulting backlash, the TPS's budget has been battered by the near-daily anti-Israel protests in the city. As of April, cops had spent more than $12 million policing the protests. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Hate crimes are up against the LGBTQ+,' said Campbell, who speculates Pride may be 'interrupted by Palestinian protesters.' THEM AGAIN: Protesters carry Palestinian flags and shout slogans during a demonstration march on April 21, 2024, in Toronto. Protesters demanded a ceasefire in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Maryam Majd / Getty Images In Vancouver, Police Chief Steven Rai has said whatever the cost, events like Pride and other festivals would be fully protected in the future. At the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in April, a maniac slammed a vehicle into the crowd, killing 11 people and injuring 32 others. Campbell said Demkiw's decisions will almost certainly lead to fewer cops on the ground. He added that some high-ranking police commanders encouraged the Chief to change his mind, but to no avail. 'I really hope that everything goes fine, but it's not a risk I'd be willing to take,' he said. Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. Photo by Supplied / TPA And with the cross-pollination of Canada Day and Pride, cops could be in for a busy weekend. Last year, the policing costs for Pride were $2 million. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'But that's nothing on a $1.3 billion budget. This puts our members and the community at risk, and it's not the place to cut. Our members are furious,' Campbell said, adding many members had made plans and will now be forced to come in on short notice. Campbell said that in the past, almost all the necessary personnel were volunteers. As a result of the chief's decision, he added that TPA board members would be in attendance. 'If we see calls for service going unanswered elsewhere because of officers being redeployed to Pride, it could be bad,' he said. 'I really hope it goes fine. We have TPA members and their families who will be there. We only want management to keep the funding for events like Pride and Canada Day,' Campbell said. 'But using on-duty resources … I hope to God nothing happens because Myron is going to have to answer for it.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I don't know why he's taking the risk,' he added. Read More In a statement to The Sun , the TPS maintained they have 'ample staffing in place for Pride.' 'The staffing model the TPA is referring to uses a combination of on-duty officers and members working under an RDO (Regular Day Off) exchange, rather than relying on premium pay (overtime) call-backs,' the statement read. 'This staffing model will apply to four large-scale annual events in Toronto – Pride, Canada Day, Caribbean Carnival and New Year's Eve.' The TPS statement reiterated that police presence at Pride will not be reduced and 'reflects a responsible and efficient use of staffing resources.' The police service said public safety remains its 'top priority.' The statement added: 'We're working closely with Pride Toronto and are looking forward to a great weekend.' bhunter@ @HunterTOSun Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Music Toronto Raptors Toronto Raptors
Toronto Sun
20-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: Accused carjacker on bail when he jumped from Gardiner Expressway
Since the SIU is investigating officers because an accused carjacker on court conditions jumped from the Gardiner to avoid arrest, the Toronto Police Association's President questions why there's no probe into who set him free. Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox Husain Javed, 21, of Toronto is wanted by Toronto Police for removing his GPS ankle bracelet in the area of Grenoble Drive and Leeward Glenway. Photo by Toronto Police Since Ontario's police watchdog is investigating officers because an accused carjacker on numerous court conditions jumped from the Gardiner Expressway to avoid arrest, the Toronto Police Association's President questions why there's no probe into who set him free in the first place. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Fair question. After all, this was not the first run-in with police for Toronto's Javed Husnain, 21, who was charged with robbery with violence, disguise with intent, robbery with a firearm, two counts of property obtained by crime and fleeing while being pursued by a police officer in the June 16 incident that started with a man being carjacked at gunpoint for his Rolls Royce at the Shops At Don Mills and ended with his escape attempt that resulted in broken bones and a hospital stay. Go to the Toronto Police news releases and you will see that since 2023 this suspect has been charged with numerous serious criminal offences and keeps being released with court conditions. And then arrested again. Then released again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Something is just not working with this revolving justice door. 'Our members and the communities they serve deserve answers,' TPA boss Clayton Campbell said Friday. 'While our officers are being investigated by the SIU for their actions, we've learned the man arrested was already before the courts on multiple charges for home invasions and carjackings, some involving weapons.' Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. Photo by Supplied / TPA On Dec. 8, 2023, just before 5 a.m. in the area of Twyford Rd. and Abilene Dr., police allege 'two men forced their way into a residence and confronted the victim brandishing crowbars and demanded keys to the victim's vehicle.' On Jan. 25, 2025, members of the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force, with the assistance of York Regional Police, arrested Husnain and charged him with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, robbery with an offensive weapon and many other offences. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And on Aug. 13, 2023, in the area of Keele St. and Wilson Ave., police say 'two suspects intentionally rear-ended a victim's vehicle and the suspects approached the victim with a weapon and demanded the keys.' Then on Jan. 5, 2024, in the Keele St. and Lawrence Ave. W. area, a 'victim stepped out of their vehicle and left it running and the accused entered the vehicle and fled.' And on Feb. 20, 2024, Husnain was arrested and charged with two counts possession of property obtained by crime. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Then on June 1, 2025, 'police responded to a call for a wanted party' in the Grenoble Dr. and Leeward Glenway area where 'a man currently before the courts on several charges was released from court with conditions' but 'police were notified that the man removed his GPS ankle bracelet' and a warrant was sought for Husnain for failure to comply with a release order and mischief under $5000. If you are keeping score, that's five previous serious charges. And still, Husnain was on the loose Monday and allegedly trying to evade capture by jumping off the elevated highway. With a stolen BMW as a the accomplice car in this heist, that's six major criminal incidents that led to charges against Husnain. Councillor Brad Bradford represents Ward 19 Beaches-East York. 'Crime is out of control in Toronto and no one in elected office is doing anything about it,' said City Councillor Brad Bradford, who has been outspoken on the lawlessness in Toronto. 'It's now at a point where it's not really a safe city to raise your kids in.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, when will Husnain be granted his next release? It's trickier this time, but not because of the system being tougher, because of his injuries. He's still in hospital after receiving medical treatment for many broken bones and back injuries as a result falling at least 10 metres. Justice sources say he remains in custody under guard until his next court date on June 24. Time will tell if he gets another bail release or whether he will need more time in hospital. Only in Canada 🇨🇦 would you see tolerance for a guy being released on serious charges over and over again. You add it up and it's now 6 different alleged crimes committed while known to the court system. Will a 7th release be lucky? — Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) June 20, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Whatever happens, Campbell's point – and it's a good one – is that while his officers with body cams are being scrutinized, the system that kept letting this accused out needs scrutiny, too. In a week where Premier Doug Ford had carjackers eyeing his Cadillac Escalade, perhaps soon those on the bench making these soft bail calls will be held accountable. 'With this violent history a judge or justice of the peace released him with conditions, including an ankle bracelet, which he allegedly took off two weeks prior to this most recent incident,' Campbell said. 'Our members are held accountable for the decisions they make, it's about time judges and justices of the peace are held to the same standard.' 'Our officers and the victims deserve better – enough is enough,' he added. When will it be enough for Ontario? jwarmington@ World Toronto & GTA News Hockey Columnists
