Toronto's Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced significant progress in the reduction of use of force incidents across the city, as indicated by the latest Annual Use of Force Report for 2024. The report reveals a substantial 13.5 percent decline in such incidents when compared to the average over the previous four years, highlighting a positive trend in how policing is conducted in Toronto.

According to the report released by the Toronto Police Service (TPS), there were 411,607 calls for service in 2024. Of these, only 0.46 percent necessitated the use of force, demonstrating that a vast majority of police interactions are resolved without resorting to forceful measures. This statistic underlines the effectiveness of police strategies focused on de-escalation and communication, crucial elements in contemporary law enforcement practices.

Chief Demkiw expressed optimism regarding the reported decline, stating, "These positive trends demonstrate our ongoing commitment to focus on de-escalation and other tactics to ensure safer outcomes for all the communities we serve." His remarks reflect a dedication to improving community relations and ensuring that policing methods do not escalate into violent confrontations.

The report further details that de-escalation techniques were effectively applied in nearly 87 percent of all use of force incidents within the past year. This significant application of non-violent measures illustrates the police service’s emphasis on minimizing conflict during potentially dangerous situations.

A total of 1,152 use of force incidents were recorded in 2024. This marks a notable decrease from the average of 1,331 incidents documented between the years 2020 and 2024. Such a decrease not only reflects statistical improvement but also suggests a potential shift in policing philosophy toward more community-oriented practices.

Demkiw praised the skills and professionalism of TPS officers, stating, “It is a testament to our officers’ incredible skills, professionalism, and courage as they resolve complex situations that are often unpredictable and violent, through communication and de-escalation.” His comments underscore the challenging nature of police work and the importance of training in managing volatile encounters without resorting to physical confrontation.

The findings from the report were presented to the Toronto Police Service Board on Thursday, signaling a commitment to transparency and accountability within the police force. The ongoing analysis of use of force incidents aims to foster trust and improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves.