FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2003
Toronto Sheriff’s Officers refuse to work as safety in jeopardy
TORONTO – Toronto Sheriff’s Officers are refusing to work until their employer takes steps to protect their safety on the job.
The 10 officers, employees of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, say their health and safety are in jeopardy now that the Toronto Police Service (TPS) has stopped sending police escorts to accompany officers in high-risk situations. TPS stopped the escorts last Friday after the Police Services Board decided
it was not the job of police to be involved with civil law enforcement.
The decision by Toronto police follows on the Ontario government’s decision to strip Sheriff’s Officers of the batons, handcuffs, and pepper spray they previously carried to protect themselves.
“Sheriff’s officers are professional peace officers who are not afraid of situations that may lead to confrontation,” said Mark Kotanen, staff representative with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, “but they will not work without the tools they need to do the job safely.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act says they have the right to refuse this unreasonably dangerous work,” he said. “We are calling on the Ministry of the Attorney General to give our sheriff’s officers the resources they need to do their very important jobs.”
Sheriff’s Officers enforce court orders involving evictions, seizures of cash or goods from homes and businesses, and other civil matters. They work closely with Children’s Aid Societies, the Humane Society, shelters for the homeless, and other agencies to protect the safety and dignity of citizens.
– 30 –
For more information: Mark Kotanen (647) 229-0376
