Toronto police have extended the Neighbourhood Community Officer program to cover a section of the city’s subway system, aiming to enhance safety and community relations in these vital transit areas.
Police Chief Myron Demkiew announced that eight dedicated officers will now patrol subway stations between Wellesley and Union, as well as between Bloor and Eglinton on the Yonge line, providing round-the-clock coverage seven days a week. Notably, Union and Bloor stations will receive focused patrols during peak times, with the additional officers expected to be visible by the year’s end.
The decision to expand this program into the subway system was data-driven, with TTC officials selecting areas with higher incident rates for the initial rollout. Future expansion plans will be informed by ongoing needs assessments and feedback from commuters.
Furthermore, these officers will collaborate with TTC Special Constables and other relevant city resources to support vulnerable individuals and handle crises effectively within the transit system.
In addition to the subway expansion, 16 new officers will be deployed to four more communities: Dufferin Grove, Banbury-Don Mills/Victoria Village, Wexford-Maryvale, and Etobicoke City Centre. This move marks a significant step in bringing the total number of Toronto neighbourhoods benefiting from NCOs to 60.
Describing the NCO program as a form of community-centered policing, Demkiw emphasized the unique role these officers play in building trust and addressing local issues. NCOs, with a minimum four-year tenure in a specific neighborhood, work closely with residents and community partners to develop proactive solutions that reduce crime, instill a sense of security, and foster positive community dynamics.