Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

elationship with a TPS member, the psychologist will not carry out a screening function
for that officer, and instead the other TPS psychologist will carry out the screening
function. Every officer with whom the psychologists meet is provided with a detailed
written and verbal explanation of the psychologists’ exact roles within the Service. This
explanation includes an overview of their procedures for managing potential conflicts,
which includes maintaining separate files and maintaining confidentiality.
C. Psychological Services’ capacity constraints and institutional structure
40. In light of the discussion above, and especially in light of the recommendations in
this chapter and Chapter 9 (The Mental Health of Police Personnel) that relate to
expanding the role of TPS psychologists, it appears that the current staffing of two inhouse
TPS psychologists is insufficient to meet the needs of the Service’s members. 19
The TPS is to be commended for recognizing the important role that psychologists can
play in the Service. But based on what I have learned, Psychological Services is at
capacity, and unless capacity is expanded, the psychologists cannot be asked to do more
than they currently do without risking a decline in the quality of service provided.
41. The psychologists have a significant role to play on the operational side of
policing. The implementation of the recommendations in this chapter would result in an
expansion of this role. It may therefore be beneficial for the TPS to consider amending
its organizational structure so that Psychological Services reports directly or on a dottedline
basis to a Deputy Chief. Psychological Services is currently under the purview of the
Director of Human Resources. It is important to ensure that the perspective of the
psychologists and the goals they seek to achieve are given sufficient prominence within
the organization.
II. Overview of Issues Highlighted by Stakeholders
42. The Review heard from some stakeholders that TPS should screen out candidates
who display attitudes that show stigma toward people with mental illness as well as
psychological tendencies toward self-interest, low empathy, enjoyment of power or
control over others, anger management issues, and premature use of force or firearms.
These stakeholders recommended that psychological testing should be used to identify
officers who consider the use of force as a last resort, who are confident in their ability to
address situations that pose a risk to their own security, and who have strong
communication and listening skills. Some stakeholders suggested that these
assessments should be periodically applied on an ongoing basis throughout officers’
careers.
43. Several stakeholders suggested that applicants for new constable positions should
be tested for use of performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids or testosterone
supplement therapy. These drugs and supplements can affect a person’s mood, attitude,
and reactions to events. As a result, they can change the manner in which an officer
19
City of Toronto, Police Services Board, “Toronto Police Service – 2014 Operating Budget Request” (Toronto: City of Toronto,
2014), online: .
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