Appendix 11 - OHRC Survey

 

OHRC Inquiry ‒ Survey for Toronto Police Service officers

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) is conducting this survey to support its public inquiry into anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service (TPS). It is working with the TPS, the Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB), the Toronto Police Association (TPA) and Black communities to make sure this work results in comprehensive, positive and meaningful action.

In the spirit of cooperation, the TPS, TPSB, TPA and the OHRC have agreed to make sure the inquiry includes a broad range of policing and community safety and well-being perspectives. The OHRC believes this survey provides an important opportunity to hear the diverse views of TPS officers.

TPS uniform officers below the rank of Inspector are invited to complete the survey to share their perspectives on issues of racism, particularly anti-Black racism, both within the TPS and related to interactions with members of the public. The survey findings will inform the findings of the inquiry's final report intended for release in the coming year.

This survey is confidential. We will take all reasonable steps to make sure the personal information you provide is treated confidentially and is only used for the intended purpose. Please read the Notice of collection of information on the next screen for more details.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. If you are having difficulty or need help completing this survey, contact the OHRC by phone at 437-788-7943 or by e-mail at surveys@ohrc.on.ca.

 

Notice of collection of information

Purpose
The purpose of collecting information in this survey is to understand and report on the perspectives of TPS uniform officers below the rank of Inspector on issues of racism, particularly anti-Black racism, both within the organization and related to interactions with the public.

Legal authority for collecting personal information

Section 31 of the Human Rights Code allows the OHRC to collect information as part of conducting a public interest inquiry. This collection is also consistent with s. 38(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Limiting use and disclosure of personal information
The OHRC recognizes the importance of protecting personal information, protecting human dignity and maintaining public trust and confidence. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information you provide is treated confidentially and is only used for the purposes it was collected for. We will take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access, use or disclosure of your personal information as directed by FIPPA. For more information see our Protection of personal information and privacy safeguards policy.

Analysis of and reporting on the data
The OHRC will report publicly on the inquiry process, findings and recommendations. Data and information obtained through this survey, including the response rate, will be de-identified and/or reported in aggregate form. No personal information will be disclosed without the prior informed consent of the affected person(s).

Retention schedule for the data
Subsection 5(1) of FIPPA, Regulation 460, requires the OHRC to retain personal information for at least one year after it is used, unless the person the information pertains to consents to its earlier disposal. The OHRC will destroy all copies of data sets containing personal information as soon as is reasonably possible after they are no longer required.

 

Questions

Questions about information collected by the OHRC in this survey can be directed by phone at 437-788-7943 or by e-mail at surveys@ohrc.on.ca.

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

 

We require your express consent to collect the information in this survey for the purpose described above.

1. I agree to the use of my survey information for the purpose described above.
2. I do NOT agree and understand this means I will not be able to do the survey.

We require your first and last name or badge number for participation in the survey. The information will be kept confidential:

1. I agree to provide my first and last name, and/or badge number:
2. I do NOT agree to provide my name or badge number and understand this means I will not be able to do the survey.

 

Thank you for agreeing to do this survey.

We will start the survey with a few questions about your occupational status.

 

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This survey is only for uniform officers below the rank of Inspector of the TPS.

Are you currently a uniform officer with the Toronto Police Service?

1. Yes, I am currently a uniform officer of the TPS below the rank of Inspector
2. No, I am NOT currently a uniform officer of the TPS below the rank of Inspector

What is your current rank?

1. Cadet in training
2. 4th class Constable
3. 3rd class Constable
4. 2nd class Constable
5. 1st class Constable
6. Sergeant / Detective
7. Staff Sergeant / Detective Sergeant
8. I prefer not to say

Altogether, how long have you been a uniform officer with the Toronto Police Service or with other police services?

1. 0-3 years
2. 4-7 years
3. 8-12 years
4. 13-20 years
5. 21 years or more
6. I prefer not to say

 

Racism, and its harmful impact, is systemic and pervasive throughout our social institutions across Ontario, including in the school system, child welfare, health care, corrections and policing.
We would like to ask you specifically about systemic anti-Black racism in the TPS.
For each of the following statements, please indicate whether you: Strongly agree, Somewhat agree, Somewhat disagree, Strongly disagree, or Don’t know.

There is systemic anti-Black racism in the TPS:

In policing services the TPS provides.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

In employment.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

 

I am satisfied with the efforts of the TPS and TPSB to address anti-Black racism:

In policing services the TPS provides.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

In employment.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

 

The TPS provides training, policy guidance and tools on anti-Black racism that guide the way I carry out my duties.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

Comments (Optional):

 

TPS officers of any rank who engage in anti-Black racism are held accountable for their actions:

In policing services the TPS provides.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

In employment.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

Comments (Optional):

 

I feel comfortable speaking out or raising issues about anti-Black racism:

In policing services the TPS provides.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

In employment.

1. Strongly agree
2. Somewhat agree
3. Somewhat disagree
4. Strongly disagree
5. Don't know

Comments (Optional):

 

The next part of the survey asks for your views about the relationship between Black communities and the TPS as well as what, if anything, should be done about anti-Black racism.

Members of Black communities have repeatedly expressed concerns about their interactions with Toronto police. They have also stated that there is a lack of trust between Black communities and the TPS. These concerns have been reflected in many reports, including the TPSB's report, Police Reform in Toronto: Systemic Racism, Alternative Community Safety and Crisis Response Models and Building New Confidence in Public Safety (see, for example, page 84).

Why do you think some Black community members feel this way?

What, if anything, would you propose to improve the relationship between Black communities and the TPS?

Systemic racism occurs when institutions or systems create or maintain racial inequity often as a result of hidden institutional biases in policies, practices and procedures that privilege some groups and disadvantage others. This could occur, for example, through traffic stops, pedestrian stops, arrests, charges, use of force, etc.

Are there TPS practices, procedures, or policies which result in, contribute to or exacerbate inequality, particularly inequality for members of Black communities? If so, how does such systemic racism take place? Please describe.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We have just three demographic questions about you. These questions are voluntary and will help the OHRC to understand the diversity and unique challenges of the people completing the survey.

The survey is confidential and responses to these questions will not be attributed to you in any way.

 

What is your age?

 

What is your gender identity?

1. Woman
2. Man
3. Trans woman
4. Trans man
5. Non-binary
6. Other
7. Prefer not to say

 

Which racial group do you identify with?

1. Black
2. East Asian
3. Southeast Asian
4. Indigenous
5. Latino
6. Middle Eastern
7. South Asian
8. White
9. Other racialized group
10. Prefer not to say

 

Finally, do you want an OHRC staff person to contact you if we have any follow-up questions about the information you provided or to learn more about your experiences?

As a reminder, this survey and any follow up with OHRC is confidential. Providing your contact information is voluntary.

1. Yes (Please enter email address and/or phone number)
2. No

We thank you for your time spent taking this survey. Your response has been recorded.
Visit the OHRC’s website for more information about its public inquiry into anti-Black racism by the Toronto Police Service.

 

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TPS Officer Survey Results

 

 

South Asian	White	Other racialized group	Prefer not to say	No response
5%	54%	6%	18%	1%

 

Other racial identities: Mixed identity, Russian, White immigrant The average reported age of respondents was 46

i Percentages may not total 100% due to round