Toronto's police chief has issued a public plea for greater provincial assistance, stating his officers are using all available tools but need stronger legal backing to address a surge in hate-motivated incidents.
Chief Demkiw's Response to Provincial Criticism
In an exclusive interview with the Toronto Sun on Thursday, Chief Myron Demkiw responded to a recent letter from Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. Kerzner had urged police to take more decisive action against increasingly hateful anti-Israel demonstrations in the city.
Demkiw, alongside Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll, countered that the service is doing its best within the confines of existing laws. He emphasized that they have consistently advocated for legal reforms at both the federal and provincial levels since the current wave of protests began on October 7, 2023.
Frustration Over Dropped Charges and Legal Hurdles
The police service's letter to Kerzner, obtained by the Sun, highlights a core frustration: charges laid against protesters are often withdrawn by provincial Crown attorneys. The letter cites two specific examples from late 2024 and early 2025 where charges against multiple activists were dropped without prior consultation with investigators.
According to Demkiw, Toronto Police have policed over 800 protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, making over 460 arrests and laying more than 1,000 charges. However, Crown attorneys have frequently advised that the conduct, while hurtful and disruptive, often does not meet the criminal threshold.
"There is a frustration, no question," Demkiw told the Sun, praising a private member's bill from MPP Michelle Cooper that proposes a special prosecution unit dedicated to hate crimes.
Financial Cost and Community Impact
The policing effort has come at a significant cost. Demkiw revealed that managing these protests has cost the service $42 million, and requests to the city for additional funding were denied. Beyond finances, the chief defended his officers against criticism from all sides, stating that implying inaction "undermines public trust."
He outlined other measures taken, including over 100,000 community visits, an expansion of the Hate Crime Unit, and specialized training facilitated by Jewish community organizations.
The police chief concluded by expressing pride in his 5,300 officers, stating they have acted with professionalism to restore a sense of safety amid profound community pain.
