Toronto Police Board Bans Citizens Kris Langenfeld and Derek Moran

The Toronto Police Service board has imposed a 60-day ban on two prominent citizen speakers, Kris Langenfeld and Derek Moran, after a series of contentious meetings. The decision has raised concerns about freedom of expression and transparency within the police oversight body.

During the board’s special budget meeting on March 11, 2024, Langenfeld was unable to register to speak due to his ban, which he claims is unwarranted and lacks a clear basis in the board’s procedural bylaws. Moran, who has often collaborated with Langenfeld at these meetings, faced a similar restriction. Both men have been vocal critics of the police service and its leadership, prompting accusations of suppression from them.

Moran characterized the ban as a personal attack, suggesting that the board is attempting to stifle dissent. He stated, “This is all because of the public outcry after Chief Myron Demkiw‘s comments… they wanted to suppress any criticism.” The ban follows a series of heated exchanges during previous meetings, including Moran’s controversial accusation that Chief Demkiw is a “sociopath.”

Langenfeld and Moran, referred to as “deputants” by City Hall, have become regular figures at the board’s meetings, often raising issues around police accountability. Their outspoken nature has drawn both support and ire from board members. In a recent meeting, Langenfeld criticized the board’s handling of public consultations, claiming it failed to address community concerns adequately.

Contentious Meetings and Public Outcry

The escalating tension reached a peak at the April 2024 meeting when Moran was reportedly arrested after refusing to leave the premises during a heated exchange. Although the Toronto Police Service has not confirmed the details of the incident, Moran indicated that the charges against him were eventually stayed.

Langenfeld’s remarks during these meetings have frequently drawn criticism from board members, including Shelley Carroll, the board’s chair. In response to Langenfeld’s comments about the board’s approach to public engagement, Carroll urged him to use “parliamentary language,” highlighting the ongoing struggle between free expression and decorum in the board’s meetings.

In a statement addressing the bans, Sandy Murray, the interim executive director of the TPS board, confirmed that the decision was made following “multiple verbal warnings” regarding repeated violations of the board’s procedural bylaws. Murray clarified that the restriction pertains only to oral deputations; both Langenfeld and Moran may still attend meetings and submit written comments.

Implications for Citizen Engagement

The decision to ban Langenfeld and Moran has sparked discussions about the impact on public participation in police oversight. Moran expressed concern that the board’s actions could deter other citizens from voicing their opinions, saying, “People are just scared of going there now.”

Supporters of Langenfeld and Moran argue that citizen input is crucial for holding the police accountable and fostering community trust. The board’s actions have prompted questions about its commitment to transparency and its willingness to engage with the public on sensitive issues.

Carroll has defended the board’s authority to manage conduct during meetings, emphasizing the need to maintain a civil tone. Yet, the lack of a formal procedure for imposing bans raises questions about the board’s processes and its approach to dissent.

As the situation unfolds, both Langenfeld and Moran are determined to challenge their bans. Langenfeld has indicated plans to pursue legal action, seeking to restore his ability to speak at the board’s meetings.

The ongoing debate surrounding these bans highlights the complexities of citizen engagement in police oversight and the balance between maintaining order and encouraging open dialogue. The outcome of this situation may influence how citizen voices are heard in the future, particularly in matters as contentious as police accountability.