Police boost presence on TTC in wake of violence, commuter reaction mixed – Toronto | 24CA News

TORONTO — Commuter response appeared combined on Friday as Toronto police boosted their presence on metropolis transit within the wake of current violence.

Police introduced a day earlier that greater than 80 officers can be at Toronto Transit Commission areas to cut back victimization, forestall crimes of alternative and improve public security. That got here after a collection of violent circumstances on the TTC, together with stabbings, BB gun shootings and an alleged swarming.

Damira Pan, a transit consumer, mentioned she has witnessed violence on transit prior to now and having additional officers at subway stations made her really feel safer.

“It is a good idea,” she mentioned after getting off a prepare at a downtown subway station on Friday morning. “I am always looking out for officers in case I am concerned about my safety.”

Pan mentioned the presence of police is particularly wanted throughout rush hours, when subways, buses and streetcars can get notably crowded.

Seungbin Yoo, one other commuter, mentioned a visual police presence on transit might forestall violence, together with potential hate crimes.

He mentioned he has been feeling unsafe utilizing transit for the reason that COVID-19 pandemic started due to his Asian options and the anti-Asian sentiment that surfaced across the pandemic.

“I feel very unsafe to use especially the streetcars at nights,” he mentioned.

But not everybody welcomed the increase in police on transit.

Jaime Wilson, a transit rider, mentioned having extra police within the system doesn’t assist handle potential underlying causes of violence, together with homelessness and psychological well being points.

“I don’t think it is the solution,” she mentioned. “The solution is housing, mental health resources, addiction resources, warm spaces.”

Wilson mentioned regardless of the current violence that’s come beneath the highlight, she thinks the town’s transit system is usually protected.

“I don’t think having police presence is necessary. They are not going to be everywhere, it costs a lot of money, and I don’t think people are satisfied with that solution,” she mentioned.

Some advocates have additionally criticized the enlargement of police presence on transit, calling it a brief answer that gained’t deal with the basis causes of violence within the metropolis.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, which represents Toronto transit staff, mentioned Friday that the rise in police on the TTC was “an important first step,” however “only a band aid solution.”

“ATU Local 113 calls on all levels of government to work with the TTC at tackling the root causes including housing affordability and mental health as part of the broader issue of safety on public transit,” it wrote in an announcement.

“Without addressing the problem at its core, we won’t have a transit system free from violence.”

0:40Video seems to point out suspect violently stealing purse from girl at Toronto subway station

Toronto Mayor John Tory has mentioned elevated police on the TTC is one a part of addressing issues of safety and the town will proceed investing in psychological well being and addictions remedy and anti-violence applications.

Rick Leary, the Toronto Transit Commission chief government officer, has mentioned the TTC is within the strategy of hiring extra particular constables and outreach employees whereas additionally working to enhance its digital camera system.

Police Chief, Myron Demkiw has mentioned the elevated police patrols on the TTC can be stuffed by off-duty officers who can be paid extra time, so on-duty officers can nonetheless reply to precedence calls.

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