TCHC adds 51 new Special Constables to strengthen community policing and tenant safety
TORONTO, November 29, 2019— Toronto Community Housing Corporation's (TCHC) held its annual swearing-in ceremony to honour its 51 new Special Constables today as part of its commitment to community policing and tenant safety.
TCHC's Community Safety Unit now has 196 peace officers and specialists who work to engage tenants on safety matters, protect TCHC property and, in partnership with Toronto Police Service (TPS), deliver crime prevention and law enforcement services. The unit responds to more than 90,000 calls per year, and assists with crime investigations. The expanded roster of Special Constables will support TCHC's violence reduction program, which includes adding teams of Special Constables to patrol overnight in selected communities, based on need.
"It is because tenants deserve to feel safe in their homes that we are adding Special Constables in our own communities and continuing to work with government, community partners and law enforcement agencies to find solutions to the crime and violence we are facing as a city," TCHC President and CEO Kevin Marshman said.
"We are assigning some Special Constables to focus on a specific TCHC community to address local safety issues and deter crime," said Bill Anderson, Chief Special Constable and Senior Director of the Community Safety Unit.
Special Constables assigned to a specific community will work with tenants, TPS, TCHC staff and external agencies to target issues such as violent crime, anti-social activities, property damage and unit takeovers and to enhance community safety. Onsite Special Constables will also engage with tenants to create solutions to specific issues in their communities.
Read our Backgrounder for more information.
Toronto Community Housing CEO Kevin Marshman (front row right) and Chief Special Constable Bill Anderson (front row left) pose with members of the newest cohort of CSU Special Constables.
About Toronto Community Housing:
Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's largest social housing provider. Toronto Community Housing provides homes for nearly 60,000 low- and moderate-income households in neighbourhoods across the city. Toronto Community Housing is wholly owned by the City of Toronto and its 2,100 buildings represent a $10-billion public asset.
TCHC media line (416) 737-1352 or media@torontohousing.ca
