Take the TTC's survey: Use of force policy

The TTC is conducting a survey seeking riders' feedback on policies regarding Special Constable and Fare Inspector enforcement activities. 

Scroll down to get a preview of all the questions asked on the survey along with some key points to consider.

Take the TTC's survey by February 14, 2024: https://survey.forumresearch.com/SE/1/TCP7

Scroll down to get a preview of all the questions asked on the survey along with some key points to consider.

Why is the TTC surveying people about Use of Force?

The Toronto Ombudsman recommended in 2017 that the TTC create guidelines for when force is used by Special Constables, Fare Inspectors, and other staff. The Ombudsman also wrote a report in 2019 after TTC Fare Inspectors had assaulted a young Black man, Reece Maxwell-Crawford, on a streetcar platform in 2018. Read the TTC's report from December 2023 for more context and information about the proposed policies.

Are body cameras the answer to racial profiling?

The TTC’s survey asks questions about when TTC should share recordings with police for facial recognition and other purposes. But body cameras have not been proven to change police behaviour (source: The Crisis in Canada’s Policing, Sewell and Williams, 2021). They can be turned on and off, they are expensive, and there are questions about privacy and who has access to the footage. Part of the high cost of body cameras include the costs for storing and analyzing data. There is also the question of when officers turn the cameras on, and issues of privacy. According to the Toronto Police Accountability Coalition, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has found it is difficult to justify continuous recording, which in turn raises questions about officer discretion to turn off and on cameras. 

Key questions in the survey:

  • Question: Police and other Peace Officers can sometimes carry and use these weapons under specific circumstances. In your opinion, what weapons should TTC Special Constables be able to use? Please check all that apply.
  • Suggested answer/comments: Special constables should NEVER carry weapons on public transit, including firearms, tasers, batons, or pepper spray. The use of tasers have lead to death. Pepper sprays can harm people in enclosed spaces.

 

  • Question: Under what circumstances do you think Special Constables should have the authority to use physical force? 
  • Suggested answer/comments: Force is never acceptable if someone misses a payment on public transit. Using force is not okay if you do not return your library book. Using force is not okay if you do not pay your parking ticket. Tell the TTC that force should never be used over a $3.30 fare. Using force in "self-defence" may be based in biases: Someone may feel afraid in a situation because of biases like anti-Black racism, or fear of erratic behaviour due to mental health crisis or disability, such as neurodivergence. The fare inspectors who assaulted Black teenager Reece Maxwell-Crawford in 2018 claimed that he was "threatening" and "intimidating" and that he had his hands in his pockets. But video evidence showed this was not true. The Toronto Ombudsman found the TTC’s investigation "was not adequately thorough, fair, and transparent." The TTC survey also asks about using force against “trespassers” and “uncooperative individuals,” which could mean unhoused people or people in crisis.

 

  • Question: Do you agree or disagree that the TTC should release annual reports to the public documenting the race and gender of individuals involved in TTC enforcement activities? These reports would release data in a way that would protect the identity of individuals. 
  • Suggested answer/comments: YES: TTC should record the race of all individuals involved in use of force incidents to track any patterns of discrimination and report this information publicly.

 

  • Question: Under what circumstances should the TTC share video recordings with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and other law enforcement agencies? 
  • Suggested answer/comments: Recordings should not be shared for facial recognition purposes.

 

  • Question: Do you agree or disagree that TTC Special Constables should be required to complete a report explaining their actions whenever they decide to use force against an individual?
  • Suggested answer/comments: AGREE: Special Constables should ALWAYS complete a report explaining their actions when they decide to use force against a person.

 

Take the TTC's survey by February 14, 2024: https://survey.forumresearch.com/SE/1/TCP7


Want to get a preview of all the questions asked on the survey? They are:

 

Have you used the TTC in the past five years? For example, have you used the subway, a bus, a streetcar, the Scarborough RT, or a Wheel Trans service? (YES/NO)

 

In general, how often do you use the subway? (never to everyday/almost everyday)

 

When do you usually use the subway? (work week/weekend/both/not sure)

 

What hours of the day do you usually ride the subway? Please check all that apply. (morning/afternoon/evening/night)

 

How often do you use TTC buses? (never to everyday/almost everyday)

 

When do you usually use the bus? (work week/weekend/both/not sure)

 

In general, how often do you use the TTC streetcars? (never to everyday/almost everyday)

 

When do you usually use the streetcar? (work week/weekend/both/not sure)

 

In general, how often do you use the TTC´s Wheel Trans service? (never to everyday/almost everyday)

 

In general, how safe would you feel using the TTC

 

Very unsafe

Unsafe

Neither safe or unsafe

Safe

Very Safe

Not sure/ prefer not to answer

during the daytime?

           

at night?

           



In your opinion, how big of a problem are the following issues at the TTC?

A Big Problem

A Problem

A Small Problem

Not a Problem

Don’t Know

People who do not pay their fares.

Violence against TTC staff.

Threats against TTC staff.

Violence against TTC passengers.

Sexual assaults against TTC passengers.

Sexual harassment of TTC passengers.

Robbery and theft on TTC property.

Vandalism of TTC property.

Passengers who seem to be under the influence of alcohol.

Passengers who seem to be under the influence of drugs.

Passengers who are experiencing mental health challenges.

People asking for handouts on TTC vehicles or at TTC stations.

People experiencing homelessness who use the TTC for shelter.

People who use the TTC to commit suicide.

 

Over the past five years, have any of the following things happened to you within the TTC (i.e. while riding on a TTC subway, bus, streetcar, or Wheel-Trans vehicle)?

Never

Once

Twice

3-5 times

6 times or more

Have you been threatened?

Have you been attacked or assaulted?

Have you been robbed?

Have you been spit on?

Has someone ever thrown food or a drink at you?

Have you been sexually harassed?

Have you been sexually assaulted?

Have you had money or property stolen from you?

Have you been verbally abused or insulted?

Have you had to take action to avoid an incident, such as moving seats or exiting a TTC vehicle?

Have you been subject to racial slurs or racially abusive language?

Other, please provide details:

 

Over the past five years, have you witnessed any of the following things happen to someone on the TTC (I.e. directly witnessing, witnessing in the media or third-party report)?

Never

Once

Twice

3-5 times

6 times or more

Have you witnessed someone being threatened?

Have you witnessed someone being attacked or assaulted?

Have you witnessed someone being robbed?

Have you witnessed someone being spit on?

Have you witnessed someone have food or a drink thrown at them?

Have you witnessed someone being sexually harassed?

Have you witnessed someone being sexually assaulted?

Have you witnessed someone having money or property stolen from them?

Have you witnessed someone being verbally abused or insulted?

Have you witnessed someone being subject to racial slurs or racially abusive language?



The TTC has a Special Constable Service department. Special Constables are responsible for peacekeeping and enforcing criminal laws, bylaws, and regulations on TTC properties, including subways, stations, streetcars, and buses. Special Constables are required to meet the training standards established in the Community Safety and Policing Act before performing their duties.


The TTC recently updated its Use of Force Policy according to recommendations from the Ombudsman Toronto to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all individuals.

 

Before taking this survey, were you aware that the TTC had a Special Constable Unit? (YES/NO)

 

Over the past five years, how many times have you had interaction or discussion with a TTC Special Constable? (never TO 50 times or more)

 

Has a TTC Special Constable ever given you a ticket, or charged you with a crime? (never to 10 times or more)

 

Overall, do you think TTC Special Constables treated you fairly or unfairly during your interactions with them? (I WAS TREATED UNFAIRLY to I WAS TREATED FAIRLY)

 

Have you ever received help or assistance from a TTC Special Constable when you have had trouble while on the TTC? (NEVER to 6 TIMES OR MORE)

 

As peace officers, TTC Special Constables have the legal authority to use force for peacekeeping and enforcing criminal laws, bylaws, and regulations on TTC properties. Under what circumstances do you think Special Constables should have the authority to use physical force? Please check all that apply:


*Please be aware that TTC Fare Inspectors do not have the authority to employ force to execute their duties. Using force to assist a peace officer is permissible solely in self-defense or adherence to Section 25 of the Criminal Code.

To protect themselves from violence or harm (for self-defence purposes)

To protect other TTC staff from violence or harm

To protect TTC customers or members of the public from violence or harm

When an individual threatens to harm TTC staff

When an individual threatens to harm other customers or members of the public

When an individual is resisting arrest

To help the Toronto police make an arrest on TTC property

When an individual refuses to accept a ticket for not paying their fare

When trying to remove uncooperative individuals or trespassers from TTC property

Other (specify):

Never – TTC Special Constables should not have the authority to use force against TTC customers or other individuals

 

Does it make you feel safe or unsafe knowing that TTC Special Constables have the authority to use force in response to incidents? (Options from Very unsafe to safe)

 

Police and other Peace Officers can sometimes carry and use these weapons under specific circumstances. In your opinion, what weapons should TTC Special Constables be able to use? Please check all that apply.

OC Spray (oleoresin capsicum) or Pepper Spray

Batons

Tasers or Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs)

Firearms (guns)

Other (specify):

TTC Special Constables should not carry any weapons

 

Do you agree or disagree that TTC Special Constables should be required to complete a report explaining their actions whenever they decide to use force against an individual? (AGREE or DISAGREE or NOT SURE)

 

To monitor for possible racial bias among Special Constables, do you think the TTC should gather information about the racial background of all individuals involved in TTC use of force incidents? (YES or NO or NOT SURE)

 

The term “excessive force” is often used to describe force that exceeds what is reasonably determined to be necessary and proportional to the circumstances surrounding the incident. In your opinion, if a Special Constable uses excessive force, how should they be disciplined? Please check all that apply:

They should be fired or dismissed

They should be sent for more training

They should lose pay

They should be demoted or lose rank

The incident should be added to their service record

They should apologize to the victim

TTC Special Constables should not be punished for using excessive force

Other: (specify):

It depends (explain):

 

TTC Special Constables must intervene and report incidents where they observe other Special Constables or staff using excessive force. Should Special Constables be disciplined if they do not intervene and report cases of excessive force to their supervisors? (YES/NO)

 

Research suggests that communication skills taught through de-escalation training can reduce use of force incidents within law enforcement. Do you agree or disagree that TTC Special Constables should receive de-escalation training? (AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

Upon reviewing the updated Use of Force Policy, do you think enough emphasis has been placed on de-escalation? (Explain in sentences OR no comment)



Do you have any feedback on the updated Use of Force Policy? (Explain in sentences OR no comment)

 

The previous questions were only about Special Constables. The following questions are about both Special Constables and TTC Fare Inspectors. Fare Inspectors are responsible for adherence to fares, monitoring, inspection and ticketing within TTC premises and vehicles. They are uniformed and identifiable as TTC Fare Inspectors within TTC premises and vehicles.  


Recently, the TTC has developed a proposed policy for Body-Worn Camera and Special Constable In-Car Camera use.


Do you agree or disagree that TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors should be equipped with Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) while performing their duties?

(AGREE /DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

Do you agree or disagree that vehicles used by TTC Special Constables should be equipped with Special Constable In-Car Cameras while on patrol or responding to calls for service? (AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

How comfortable would you feel knowing that you are being recorded by a Body-Worn Camera or a Special Constable In-Car Camera during your interactions with TTC Special Constables? (VERY UNCOMFORTABLE to VERY COMFORTABLE)

 

How comfortable would you feel knowing that a Body-Worn Camera records you during your interactions with TTC Fare Inspectors? (VERY UNCOMFORTABLE to VERY COMFORTABLE)

 

In your opinion, under what circumstances should Special Constables and Fare Inspectors be allowed to record customers or individuals while performing their duties. Please check all that apply:

When having casual conversations with customers or individuals.

When having personal conversations with other TTC staff.

When requesting proof of payment.

When giving out cautions for fare violations.

When giving out tickets for fare violations.

When conducting investigations or questioning customers/individuals.

When giving out tickets or citations for bylaw infractions.

When charging people with criminal offences.

When making an arrest or apprehension.

When using physical force against a customer/individual.

Never – Special Constables and Fare Inspectors should never be allowed to film individuals.

Special Constables and fare inspectors should always keep their cameras on when performing their duties.

Other: (specify)

 

In your opinion, under what circumstances should Fare Inspectors and Special Constables be allowed to turn their cameras off? Please check all that apply:

During interactions that are not investigative or enforcement in nature

For covert or person-use recordings

Where recording is restricted (e.g., a courthouse or a hospital) except in urgent circumstances or under legal authority 

There are no circumstances in which Fare Inspectors and Special Constables should be allowed to turn their cameras off 

Other: (specify)

 

If Special Constables or Fare Inspectors do not comply with the camera policy, should they be disciplined? (YES/NO/DEPENDS/NOT SURE)

 

Do you agree or disagree that Body Worn Cameras and Special Constable In-Car Cameras

Agree

Disagree

Not sure / prefer not to answer

...will improve the quality of investigations conducted by Special Constables and Fare Inspectors?

...will improve safety on TTC vehicles and properties?

...will reduce racial bias and other forms of discrimination among Special Constables and Fare Inspectors?

...will make TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors more accountable to customers and the general public?

...will improve the how TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors treat customers?

 

Under what circumstances should the TTC share video recordings with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and other law enforcement agencies? Please check all that apply:

When the police investigate a crime on TTC property or vehicles

When the police investigate a crime that occurred off of TTC property

When the police are investigating a use of force incident

When the police request recordings for facial recognition purposes

When the police request recordings for other intelligence purposes

The TTC should provide recordings to the police whenever they request

The TTC should never provide recordings to the police

Other (specify):

 

According to current TTC policy, Special Constables and Fare Inspectors do not have to receive consent from individuals in order to record their interactions but must inform them when possible. Do you agree or disagree that, when possible, TTC Special Constables and Fare Inspectors should inform individuals that they are being recorded? (AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

In your opinion, if a TTC customer or member of the public is involved in an interaction with a TTC Special Constable or Fare Inspector, should they be able to access the video recording of the interaction? (YES/DEPENDS (should apply) /NO/NOT SURE)

 

In your opinion, should members of the media be able to access TTC recordings captured by Body Worn Cameras and Special Constable In-Car cameras? (YES/NO/DEPENDS/NOT SURE)

 

In your opinion, what should the TTC do to protect the privacy of people captured by Body Worn Cameras or Special Constable In-Car Cameras? (Explain in sentences OR Prefer not to say)

 

Do you have any comments or feedback after reviewing the proposed Body-Worn Camera and Special Constable In-Car Camera policy? (Explain in sentences OR Prefer not to say)

 

Discretion refers to the ability or power that Special Constables and Fare Inspectors have for their enforcement decisions. For example, if a Fare Inspector identifies a fare evasion, they can take one of four actions. They can:


1) ignore the infraction;

2) educate the customer about the need for fare compliance and give a verbal warning;

3) issue a written caution or warning; or

4) issue a ticket with a corresponding fine.


Recently, the TTC has developed policies and procedures for Special Constable and Fare Inspector discretion (Use of Discretion Policy) to ensure everyone is treated fairly.


Do you agree or disagree that Special Constables and Fare Inspectors should receive anti-bias training to ensure everyone is treated equally?

(AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

Do you think anti-bias training will reduce discrimination within the TTC and ensure all customers are treated fairly? (YES/NO/UNCERTAIN (effectiveness can vary)/UNDECIDED(need more information

 

How hopeful are you that collecting perception-based data on the race of gender of people subject to TTC enforcement activities will reduce discrimination within the TTC and ensure that all customers are treated fairly? (NOT HOPEFUL AT ALL to VERY HOPEFUL)

 

Do you agree or disagree that TTC supervisors should monitor the data collected by Special Constables and Fare Inspectors to identify individuals who may be biased toward Black, Indigenous, or other racialized people? (AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

Do you agree or disagree that the TTC should release annual reports to the public documenting the race and gender of individuals involved in TTC enforcement activities? These reports would release data in a way that would protect the identity of individuals. (AGREE/DISAGREE/NOT SURE)

 

The TTC has developed a new policy designed to guide Special Constables and Fare Inspectors in their use of discretion. Should Special Constables and Fare Inspectors who violate this discretion policy be disciplined? (YES/NO/DEPENDS/NOT SURE)

 

Do you have any comments or feedback after reviewing the Use of Discretion Policy? (Explain in sentences OR Prefer not to say)

 

REMAINDER OF THE QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT DEMOGRAPHICS

 

 

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