A recent survey conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews revealed that a majority of Toronto residents have a positive perception of Police Chief Myron Demkiw and the city’s front-line officers. The poll indicated that 65% of respondents believe Chief Demkiw is doing a good job, while 73% expressed approval for the front-line officers.
Comparing the current ratings to previous years, the approval rating for officers remained steady at 72%, while Chief Demkiw’s rating has seen an increase, reaching 62% compared to 60% in 2024. This feedback comes in the wake of recent developments, including the charges brought against seven Toronto police officers in an investigation into organized crime and police corruption, resulting in two guilty pleas.
Despite some concerns about decisions made by Toronto police leadership affecting trust levels, the survey found that for 62% of respondents, their trust remained unaffected, with 11% indicating an increase in trust.
In terms of public trust and respect for front-line officers, 81% of Torontonians expressed positive sentiments, with 83% stating they would not hesitate to seek help from an officer when needed. Additionally, a majority of respondents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) also showed confidence in their local police chief and front-line officers, with approval ratings of 73% and 79%, respectively.
Pollster John Wright highlighted that public perception of police leadership goes beyond performance, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues promptly and transparently. Despite past scandals, proactive management of challenges by police leadership can positively influence public opinion.
The survey also indicated an overall improvement in public perception of public safety and police response compared to the previous year, suggesting that recent actions and responses by Chief Demkiw have contributed to his growing approval ratings.
