Toronto police reputation tarnished

Re Chief must fire disgraced officers or go down trying, DiManno, Aug. 12 It is frightening to me that these three cops may be reinstated as police officers in Toronto or anywhere else. Their behaviour that night was reprehensible.

These three cops have tarnished the reputation of all officers on the force. Their behaviour will have a disastrous effect on how the people of Toronto feel about their police. People will be even less likely to trust the police, help them solve crimes or co-operate with them.

I truly believe the majority of Toronto police officers are good, and must be ashamed and disgusted to have these three men on the force. It is very good news that senior officers have been told to inform all officers that even when off duty, officers must adhere to the core values of integrity, honour and trustworthiness. Donna Patterson, Toronto Let me compliment Rosie DiManno and the Star for her great column, pointing out a real problem that makes it clear why respect for police has become virtually non-existent.

The lack of respect shown to the public apparently reflects the absence of respect within their own ranks. It might be appropriate to reiterate a quote by Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

The addition of 80 officers will not solve the problem as long as the current culture to protect abominable behaviour continues. L.T. Fraser, Innisfil, Ont. Rosie DiManno nailed it. Chief Mark Saunders must get a grip on his officers to eliminate the Thin Blue Line mutual-protection culture. Honour, honesty and ethics must prevail among those who are given almost limitless power over the rest of us. The current alternative is neither palatable nor sustainable. Edward A. Collis, Burlington