Early Policing in Toronto commemorative plaque, 2019
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Resource ID
7350
Access
Open
Address
40 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 2J3
Credit Line
Heritage Toronto
Date of Creation
2019
Historical Themes
Program Category
Rights
Heritage Toronto
Caption
Early Policing in Toronto commemorative plaque, 2019
Description
Canada’s first city police force was established in Toronto in 1834. It consisted of five officers, a chief, and 14 reservists. The force had no uniform or training and worked for Toronto city council.
Disturbances over religious differences were common, and the police often unfairly favoured the Protestant majority. In 1859, the force was totally reformed after many cases of misconduct.
The new force grew rapidly. Officers received a uniform and training, and were given a baton, whistle, lamp, handcuffs, and a revolver. Common crimes included theft, assault, and drunkenness. People were often arrested for vagrancy and sheltered in police stations.
In 1887, Mayor William Howland created a morality squad that tackled gambling, prostitution, and other vices. It also enforced Sunday Laws, which banned nearly all public activity except going to church.
During the late 1800s, Toronto’s police were also in charge of the ambulance service, animal and child welfare, and liquor licensing.
Marker lat / long: 43.661104, -79.385071 (WGS84)