University of Toronto Report Advocates Community Investment Over Police Funding

Researchers from the University of Toronto have released a report advocating for a shift in funding from police services to community-based programs. The report, titled Reducing the Burden on Police Services Through Investment in Promoting Healthy Communities: Challenges and Opportunities, highlights the increasing pressure on police forces across Ontario and Canada. Lead researcher Mélanie Seabrook expressed hopes that the findings will encourage municipalities to engage more actively in discussions about community safety.

The report identifies two main issues: police services are overwhelmed, and reallocating funds to social programs can alleviate this burden. According to Seabrook, “Investing in services like housing, social assistance, public health, early childhood programs, and education are really much more powerful in terms of keeping people safe and healthy in the community.” This approach challenges the prevailing reliance on police for issues outside their training, such as mental health crises and homelessness.

Research indicates that police budgets in Canada have consistently increased since 2010, yet there is no evidence linking these budgetary expansions to a decrease in crime rates. Seabrook’s earlier study comparing the police budgets and crime rates of Canada’s 20 largest municipalities found that police do not significantly prevent most crimes. Yet, municipal spending on police continues to surpass investments in other public services.

Challenges to Reallocating Police Funds

The report stresses the need for a change in the public narrative surrounding police funding. It points out that while many Canadians support reallocating police funds to other services, powerful stakeholders, including police boards and unions, create significant obstacles. These entities often frame budget cuts as being “soft on crime,” thus perpetuating public fear.

The Ontario Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 mandates adequate funding for policing but is often interpreted to justify increasing police budgets rather than diversifying funding sources. Police boards can appeal to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission if municipal councils do not approve their budgets, putting further pressure on local governments. Politicians frequently prioritize the voices of constituents demanding increased police presence, especially in response to rising crime rates.

Despite these challenges, Seabrook highlighted a growing movement towards reconsidering police funding in the wake of events such as the murder of George Floyd in 2020. She noted that there is now more data available to support alternative policing strategies.

Innovative Alternatives and Community Consultation

The report not only emphasizes investing in social programs but also advocates for the establishment of non-police crisis response services. One example is the City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Service, which launched in 2022 and has reported positive outcomes, including clients feeling respected and supported. Following this success, the city plans to expand the service. Similarly, Ottawa has introduced a mental health-specific crisis response service.

Seabrook noted that these types of systems are beginning to emerge in various municipalities across Canada. The U of T report has also contributed to the development of Project Right Response, a proposal for the City of Sarnia focusing on a paramedic-led crisis response service. “The success of an alternative crisis response system depends at least partly on having supportive services available,” Seabrook explained.

She emphasized that different municipalities have unique needs, whether in housing or mental health services, which is why community consultation is essential in determining funding priorities. In Sarnia, the police budget continues to grow, reflecting a focus on law enforcement despite rising violent crime severity, which increased by 11.4% in 2024. While some community initiatives exist, the overarching strategy remains heavily oriented towards traditional law enforcement rather than social services.

Seabrook remains optimistic about potential changes in Sarnia, hoping that the report will inspire local leaders to explore effective alternatives for an overburdened police force. As the conversation around public safety and funding evolves, the emphasis on community health and safety could reshape the landscape of policing in Canada.