Peel Regional Police Report Results of Systemic Racism Survey - Four in ten respondents say it is a problem, half say reform needed

Over a thousand (1,102) individuals who live or work in the Region of Peel completed a Peel Regional Police survey, which was developed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Peel Police Services Board as part of a broader effort to help the Peel Regional Police identify and address systemic racism in its organization. The purpose of the survey was to gather community input on experiences with and perceptions of the Peel Regional Police.

The survey found 48% of respondents who completed the survey agreed with the statement "systemic racism in policing is a problem". Just over half (55%) agreed with the statement that policing in Peel Region needs reform. Over half (58%) of the question respondents also said the seven principles in the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Policy on eliminating racial profiling in law enforcement are a suitable framework to shape the changes needed to address systemic racism and improve respect for human rights in the Peel Regional Police.

"Systemic racism exists across all systems and continually affects service delivery to the communities we serve," said Chief Nishan Duraiappah. "The results of this survey and other community consultation activities are helping us develop a thorough understanding of the experience Peel residents have with police and that will help us implement the right remedies."

A full report on the survey and details on PRP's broader Human Rights Project can be found at https://www.peelpolice.ca/HumanRightsProject

"This survey helps in assessing the community's perceptions and experiences with police services in Peel," said Chief Commissioner Patricia DeGuire of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. "The results allow us to reconsider, recalibrate and begin to address the concerns outlined in the report. We are committed to addressing these concerns, through the Human Rights Project in collaboration with the Peel Regional Police, the Police Services Board and the Peel community. Thanks to the community for participating in the survey."      

The survey found broad consensus (84%) for police body-worn cameras and for a requirement that officers be required to intervene if they witness misconduct by other officers (87%).

It also found that 58% of respondents interacted with the Peel Regional Police in the past two years. The vast majority of those resulted from police-community engagement efforts or calls to police to report a crime or ask for help.

"The survey represents a significant step forward in our efforts to understand better the opinions of individuals who live and work in Peel," said Ahmad Attia, Chair of the Peel Police Services Board. "These findings highlight the reality that systemic racism in the police is a priority and that the community recognizes the transformation we have already undertaken, as well as the fact that more change is necessary."

When the interactions are broken down by race, black respondents represented 36% of those arrested, 33% of those questioned, and 23% of those who were stopped or approached for some other reason.

A full report on the survey as well as the details of its methodology can be found at: https://www.peelpolice.ca/HumanRightsProject