Police-Encounters-With-People-In-Crisis

13. The TPS provides a two-part supervisory leadership course to newly-promoted
probationary sergeants. 14 The two parts are divided by at least three months of field
experience and are taught in conjunction with Humber College. The course addresses
several topics, including diversity, value-based leadership, emotional intelligence,
strategic thinking, conflict management, social psychology and influence,
communications, supervisor reports, police discipline, human resources, team building
and wellness. The participants are asked to submit evaluations of the course, and focus
groups are held with sergeants one year after their promotions to assess the impact the
course had on the way they do their jobs.
(b) Staff inspector, superintendent, staff superintendent
14. TPS Procedure 14-11 sets out the process for promotion to staff inspector,
superintendent, and staff superintendent. Members who have reached the rank of
inspector are eligible for promotion under this procedure. Similar to the procedure
described above, the minimum requirement for applicants includes, among other
factors, a clear disciplinary record for the previous two years. Officers who are subject to
criminal, misconduct or harassment investigations are able to participate in the process,
although they will not be promoted unless the complaint is resolved in their favour.
Candidates are required to interview with panels comprised of the Chief of Police, two or
more deputy chiefs and the Chief Administrative Officer. The TPSB or a designate must
approve all recommendations for promotion under this Procedure. 15
(c) Divisional hierarchy
15. The unit commander of each division is responsible for managing all personnel
assigned to the division. The unit commander is supported by one inspector and several
staff sergeants and other supervisory officers who are assigned to one of the five platoons
—a platoon is effectively one shift—within each division. The staff sergeants and
sergeants assigned to each platoon are responsible for the performance and conduct of
their subordinate officers. Constables report to front line sergeants who, in accordance
with the TPS chain of command, report to division staff sergeants. Staff sergeants report
to the inspector and unit commander, who are the senior management team at each
Division.
16. The TPS Standards of Conduct give supervisors responsibility for the conduct,
performance, and discipline of subordinate officers. This oversight role includes
ensuring that officers are properly trained and familiarized with their duties and
functions, and providing constructive guidance to subordinates whenever required.
Supervisors must ensure that apparent breaches of TPS procedures or legislative duties
14
Toronto Police Service, Course Training Standard: Training and Education, HU0011, “Supervisory Leadership Course, Part
Two” (Toronto, ON: Toronto Police Service, 2009).
15
Toronto Police Service, Policy & Procedure Manual, 4-11“Uniform Promotion Process to Staff Inspector, Superintendent and Staff
Superintendent” (Toronto, ON: Toronto Police Service, 2008).
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