Ontario Transforming Police Response and Training
Ontario is taking steps to implement a new police response framework that will help improve interactions with both vulnerable individuals, and the general public.
The new framework, which will be established by summer 2018, will guide the development of enhanced training for police officers and ensure de-escalation techniques are central to any police response – particularly when individuals in crisis are involved. The new model will also ensure that the enhanced training is delivered consistently across the province.
Developed in partnership with experts in mental health, addictions, psychology, civil liberties, policing, and anti-racism, as well as Indigenous partners, racialized populations, and individuals with lived experience, the framework will serve as the foundation for:
- Developing new, evidence-based critical decision tools to guide police officers while performing their duties
- Designing a new training curriculum for annual police officer training and ensure consistent delivery across the province
- Transforming use of force and de-escalation training courses delivered by the Ontario Police College
- Establishing mandatory qualification requirements for trainers and competencies for police officers
This builds on the province’s ongoing work to integrate de-escalation techniques into the training programs of new recruits. These actions are part of the province’s plan to address the recommendations in the Ontario Ombudsman’s 2016 report.
“Police officers need to have the right supports to defuse crisis situations, and to do so as safely as possible. Our enhanced training makes de-escalation central to any police response. This new framework reinforces the importance of comprehensive education and training for new recruits and police officers that is delivered consistently across the province.”
