Police HQ rallies were misdirected

It is baffling why the headquarters of the Toronto Police Service was the target of two demonstrations last week.

The first clash involved a Toronto police officer who fatally shot Andrew Loku — a 45-year-old man — inside a Toronto apartment building last year. As is the case any time there’s a death or serious injury involving police and civilians, Ontario’s Special Investigation Unit was tasked with investigating the situation. The SIU ruled that the officer did not exceed “the ambit of justifiable force in the circumstances” and, as a result, no charges were laid.

The ruling promptly incited protests outside police headquarters at 40 College St. But why was the target the TPS? The SIU is based out of Mississauga. If there’s a concern in the manner in which the civilian watchdog conducted this investigation, the protest should be aimed directly at the SIU, not the police.

The second instance surrounds former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi, who was acquitted on sexual assault charges. The decision triggered outrage and a march to police headquarters, in support of survivors and victims of sexual assault.

Again, why is 40 College St. the scene? If the complaint is that the legal system isn’t able to deal with issues of sexual assault, and a new approach is required, fair enough. But then they should take the rally to the attorney general of Ontario, the department responsible for the oversight of the justice system within the province, not the police. Mike Doyle, Ajax