New chief, fresh start
Regardless of whatever else he achieves, Mark Saunders has already made history. As the first black chief of Canada’s largest municipal police force, his rise is a testament to what can be accomplished through dedication, inspiration and hard work.
He’ll need those all qualities as Toronto’s next chief, plus a healthy dose of political acumen, administrative smarts (especially in finding savings), diplomatic skill, community sensitivity, media savvy and a street-level grasp of the gritty work of policing. There’s every indication that Saunders is up to the challenge.
Indeed, he’ll need to be in order to produce effective reform. As of next Sunday, this 52-year-old veteran with 32 years on the force will assume one of the most demanding jobs in Canadian public security — policing the world’s most multicultural city.
At his first news conference as chief-designate on Monday Saunders advised Torontonians that they shouldn’t expect miracles. “Being black is fantastic,” he said. “It doesn’t give me super powers.”
True enough. But the public does have a right to expect a reasonable resolution of the “carding” controversy; more financial rigour brought to police budgeting; and more outreach to the city’s vulnerable communities. There must be no repetition of the abuse of civil rights seen during the G20 protests. And there’s also a dire need for improved co-operation between the chief and the Toronto Police Services Board. The final year of departing chief Bill Blair’s term was characterized by unseemly tugging and straining against civilian oversight.
Saunders has promised action on many of these fronts and it’s vital that he succeed.
His news conference was noticeably light on specifics but Saunders promised to lay out a “fullscale roadmap” in the coming weeks on where he plans to take the force. He repeatedly emphasized that his first task is to listen. That’s a good start.
Currently deputy chief and head of Specialized Operations Command, Saunders comes to the top job after successful stints on Toronto’s urban street gang unit, drug squad, cybercrime unit and homicide squad, among other assignments. He conceded that some of these portfolios hadn’t given him much opportunity to engage with the public and he looks forward to correcting that.
“There will be lots of open dialogue; there will be a lot of talking — more so than ever before,” he promised. And “there will be change.” It’s a welcome prospect. Toronto’s incoming chief still has some rough edges. He could use more subtlety in talking to the public. For example, he repeatedly referred to people targeted under the intrusive practice of carding as “collateral damage” until it was pointed out that affected individuals may not appreciate being described that way. More sensitive use of language should come with time.
Among other contenders for the top job, deputy chiefs Peter Sloly and Mike Federico warrant praise. Both have indicated that they’ll work with Saunders to move the police force forward. Sloly’s candidacy, in particular, was advocated by some high-profile members of the black community and he and Saunders have much in common.
Both have been highly effective, black deputy chiefs who rose through the ranks by virtue of their expertise and ability to lead. But members of the police board, in a final unanimous vote, chose Saunders and their decision commands respect. There’s every indication the board has chosen well. Police board chair Alok Mukherjee described Saunders as a creative problem-solver. “In him Toronto will find a police chief who is a good listener; who is always willing to sit down for a collaborative search for solutions; who is transparent; who likes a good argument but is willing to be convinced by facts and evidence; who is down to earth, and who genuinely cares.”
That’s a pretty fair summary of the kind of chief Toronto needs. Saunders deserves encouragement and support in using these qualities to craft a better police force, and a safer city.
Mark Saunders is a smart choice for Toronto’s next police chief