By RON FANFAIR
Toronto’s new Police Chief faced the brunt of the deep mistrust and misunderstanding that divide the Black community and the cops at an open forum last week.
Chief Julian Fantino fielded many sharp questions that revolved around police accountability and the recruitment of minorities to suggestions that police target Blacks for execution at the public forum held at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) centre.
“Every incident involving the loss of life is troubling,” said Fantino. “…It’s not true that the police execute Blacks. I take exception to that…There are many young people who are killed by Blacks as well.”
Fantino, who assumed command last March following the retirement of David Boothby, also reacted cautiously to suggestions that racist elements exist in the police force.
“I will not sit here and tell you that we are pristine perfect in all of the things we do,” Fantino stated. “There is however an expectation of professionalism, honesty and integrity.”
Fantino promised to continue and to expand community-based policing initiatives, adding “we will start to make our citizens our allies in a broad-based and highly concentrated effort to identify and address causes of community concern.”
In response to a question about his organization’s hiring policy, Fantino agreed that the make-up of the force should be representative of the diverse community.
“However,” he added, “recruitment is a two-way street and we need you to help to bring your young people to this glorious profession.”
Many within the Black community regard Fantino with suspicion, including the JCA, which did not support his appointment.
As the head of 31 Division that encompasses the Jane-Finch area, he compiled race-based statistics. At the time, the police services board had no policy on the subject.
Fantino also helped draft a resolution last year calling on the province to strip the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of its power. The SIU is the civilian-staffed agency that examines all deaths or serious injuries involving the police.
Rank and file cops are opposed to the SIU despite the fact that it exonerates most of the officers it investigates.
At last week’s meeting, Fantino however claimed that he and his colleagues have never argued against oversight or accountability.
“We feel that by having a proper oversight civilian body in place, we will be maintaining public trust which is critical,” Fantino said. “What we have a problem with is the legislation.”
Continued Fantino: “I believe the law is flawed because it gives authority to the SIU to initiate an investigation with a preconceived notion that there is a criminal act committed by police officers. In most cases, police officers act bravely by putting their lives on the line.”
Phyllis James, the proprietress of Club Epiphany, called on Fantino to review a recent change in police policy to withdraw paid off-duty officers from nightclubs.
Fantino said he is reviewing the deployment and an announcement could be forthcoming sometime next month.
“I don’t want our police officers to be acting as bouncers for profit-making organizations that don’t take responsibility for their activities,” added Fantino, who oversees a staff of close to 7,000 officers and civilians in North America’s fifth largest police force.
Former Chief David Boothby orchestrated the change in policy earlier this year. The routine order on paid-duty officers prohibits police personnel from working at establishments that make most of their money from liquor sales, including bars and nightclubs.
James claims that her business is down about 30 per cent since the policy change came into effect.
She also expressed concern about a thorough search police and liquor inspectors conducted on her business premises on Easter Sunday night.
Without releasing details, Fantino said there was justification for the search and beefed-up police presence close to Club Epiphany.
“I support what the police did that evening and the results validate my concerns,” Fantino pointed out.
JCA president Herman Stewart assessed Fantino a C grade following the meeting.
“I certainly was not pleased with some of the responses,” said Stewart. “He did not come out and categorically state that racism exists in the police force and that disturbs me.”
Stewart disclosed that Fantino has asked for an invitation to return and meet the community.
“We will give him that opportunity in the next year to give us an update,” Stewart said.
Courtesy of the Share
May 11, 2000