FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 31, 2005

Black officers historically have always remained loyal to their particular law enforcement agency. As a result, we are very reluctant to cast any shadow or point any fingers at any particular institution. Especially considering that we live and work as racially visible law enforcers within our profession and as citizens within our communities. Members of ABLE remain true to their Oath of Office, the duty of loyalty and the Core Values of the law enforcement organizations to which we belong. We also understand that it is not just policing issues that we deal with, but also issues in the larger community.

ABLE was founded in 1992 with several objectives as its cornerstone of foundation. Namely, promote racial harmony and cultural pride within the Law Enforcement community and the community at large; Promote and protect the interests of Blacks and other Racial minorities within the law enforcement profession; Work closely with Law Enforcement agencies to promote and facilitate employment equity programs as the affect Blacks, other Racial minorities, aboriginal people, women, and people with disabilities.

ABLE is troubled with the recent developments that have taken place with one of its members, Inspector David McLeod, within the Toronto Police Service, who was allegedly stereotyped and treated differently at the Gas Pumps at 42 Division. This is an award winning member who has provided 26 years of dedicated and loyal service to the Toronto Police Service and the citizens of the City of Toronto. All our members have ever asked for is to be treated with respect, human dignity, courtesy and professionalism. We are further concerned with the lack of any meaningful response to the concerns raised by 38 randomly selected Black members of the Toronto Police Service who reported several racist incidents and instances of racial stereotyping, discriminatory and harassing treatment based on race and colour.

In accordance with the objectives of our organization we support Inspector David McLeod in his quest for a respectful and harassment free workplace. We also support the senior Black Officers of the Toronto Police Service in their quest to have the issues that arose from the focus group addressed when the new Chief of Police assumes his or her office. We also believe that the issue of racial stereotyping, racial harassment and discrimination are broader public interest issues that impact upon the quality of service that the Toronto Police Service provides to the citizens of the City of Toronto. ABLE hope is that the issues that has emerged with respect to the treatment of Black Officers, that is facing the Toronto Police Service, is dealt with effectively, efficiently and expeditiously. A.B.L.E. believes that in order to build and maintain a meaningful relationship between law enforcement and the community the following elements must be nurtured and sustained: trust, mutual appreciation, meaningful consultation and understanding.

Based on our experience as Black law enforcers and members of the Black community we are committed to working

with law enforcement agencies and the community to build and maintain meaningful relationships that will assist in addressing this issue and other common shared concerns.

For further Information, please contact:

William (“Chris”) Bullen

President

Association of Black Law Enforcers

416-652-5055