Myron Demkiw sworn in as new Toronto police chief

Myron Demkiw, a 32-year Toronto police veteran, has been sworn in as the service’s new chief during a change-of-command ceremony on Monday.

Demkiw took his oath of office and the oath of secrecy took place at the Toronto Police Service’s downtown headquarters.

“Becoming your chief is absolutely way better than any dream come true,” he told the audience.

He said his top three priorities will be improving trust in and within the Toronto Police Service, accelerating police reform and professionalization, and supporting safer communities.

“Each of these priorities are mutually supportive. Success on one will assist in progress on the others,” Demkiw said.

Throughout his remarks, he repeatedly tried to speak directly to residents, and at times directly spoke to critics or those who have felt “let down.”

“Working with you means I will be honest about what needs to be fixed and I want you to be honest right back,” Demkiw said, adding there will spaces for all — especially from equity-seeking groups.

“We will hear you.”

He also discussed the need to take a “public health approach” to support those dealing with addictions as well as victims of gun violence as part of broader changes in policing.

“We will work with you to fundamentally re-envision community policing and do so in a way that treats people equitably while promoting healing and justice, resulting in true and enduring community safety and well-being,” Demkiw said.

“We will work with you to prevent and reduce victimization and violence through evidence-based approaches to persistent and complex public safety issues.”

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In speaking to Toronto Police Service personnel, he urged for respect for the community and added they will have his “unwavering” support.

At the end of his speech, Demkiw paid tribute to his parents while speaking Ukrainian.

Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor John Tory and federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino were among the dignitaries in attendance.

Tory, who was on the Toronto Police Services Board during the recruitment process for a new chief, said Demkiw will need to respond to concerns about gun violence and community safety.

“I am absolutely confident that with his decades of experience in leadership, Chief Demkiw is the right person to be leading our police service, to keep our residents and communities safe, to treat everyone with respect and to do what we would expect him to do to play the police service’s part in maintaining and supporting our quality of life and values,” he said.

Tory went on to say Demkiw understands the need for inclusivity and the need to address concerns surrounding racism.

“Trust is a must — it’s not nice to have, it’s not an option,” Tory said.

“In some communities, trust has been eroded over time and needs to be re-earned and I know he’ll be able to do that.”

Ford said Demkiw will have support during his tenure as chief.

“I know you’re going to have your hands full, but you have millions of people standing behind you,” he said.

James Ramer, who served as the service’s interim chief since the retirement of Mark Saunders in 2020, was recognized during the ceremony.

“We’ll always be there for you,” Ford told Ramer during his remarks.

“Toronto has benefited so much from your leadership.”

Tory praised Ramer for his “steady” presence and for serving during “challenging and unpredictable times.”

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One of Demkiw’s biggest short-term tasks will be overseeing the Toronto Police Service’s 2023 budget submission to city council. In 2022, the service received $1.1 billion.

When Demkiw was named chief in mid-September, then-Toronto Police Services Board chair Jim Hart said Demkiw “possesses extensive operational policing experience to keep our city, its residents, and its visitors safe.”

“In Chief-designate Demkiw, the Board has found the candidate that possessed what members of communities across the City, along with our stakeholders, asked us for: a dedicated public servant and relationship-builder, committed to building and enhancing trust with the diverse communities we serve,” Hart said at the time.

However, 2SLGBTQ+ community members raised concerns about Demkiw’s appointment after the announcement.

A group representing women affected by a bathhouse raid in September 2000 said they were opposed to the appointment because of Demkiw’s involvement in the operation.

In an open letter sent to Tory and Hart on Oct. 11, Chanelle Gallant and JP Hornick, who were original members of the Toronto Women’s Bathhouse Committee, said Demkiw was one of the officers responsible for the planning and execution of a raid on a queer event at the Pussy Palace more than two decades ago. According to the letter, Demkiw identified himself on the night of the raid as a member of “the morality squad.”

In a court case that followed, Justice Peter Hryn found the raid violated the Charter rights of attendees, describing the officers’ conduct as “bringing the administration of justice into disrepute.” What followed was a settlement at the Ontario Human Rights Commission, police reforms, and a public apology from the Toronto Police Service in 2016.

After receiving the letter in October, Tory and Hart said they were prepared to meet with advocates.

Meanwhile, Toronto police headquarters will be closed to the public on Monday. The ceremony will be live-streamed. Also, Grenville Street between Bay and Yonge streets will be closed.

With files from John Marchesan and Lucas Casaletto

Media Advisory – REMINDER: Chief of Police Change of Command Ceremony, Monday, December 19, 2022, Toronto Police Headquarters (40 College Street)https://t.co/yzgUtNKwfC pic.twitter.com/ruF40fT5zO

— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) December 19, 2022