CP24 is among a number of news outlets tonight suggesting that Toronto’s new police chief will be chosen this weekend from between Deputy Chief Mark Saunders (left) and Deputy Chief Peter Sloly (right). Either man would seem to be an excellent choice on his merit as policeman alone. Mayor John Tory was cautious today, saying he wanted to see a safer, stronger, fairer community going forward.” We can hope so but regardless of who becomes the chief he will be the chief of the entire city. It seems highly unlikely that a black police chief, however sensitive and smart, will be able to eliminate grievances that frequently seem fictional. As to fairness, the mayor might ponder why after decades of rigorous examination of policy the police service would not be able to claim that it is fair, period. It certainly ought to be and if it isn’t voters might like to know why. This is about the high duty which commands each officer to know that he or she is acting ethically before the exercise of authority. Authority flows properly when the police know and act first upon their duty.
