Toronto Police Warn of Attacks on Parking Enforcement Officers

This year, there have already been 27 attacks on parking enforcement officers (PEO) in Toronto.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says they will not tolerate attacks.

“Stop attacking our parking enforcement officers,” he said. “If you do, let me be clear, there will be very, very serious consequences and we will do everything we can to hold people accountable.

The chief says the charge is the same as assaulting a police officer.

“These charges can result in conviction, jail time, fines, a criminal record, and can prevent you from traveling and finding a job,” Demkiw said.

The Toronto Police Association wants the public to think twice before using force.

“Our members go to work every day, keep our streets safe and our roads moving, and they deserve to go home to their families unharmed,” said TPA President Jon Reid. “It seems like every week we hear about yet another parking enforcement officer being verbally abused, spat at, pushed or punched. In some cases, the same member has been attacked more than once. And in rare cases, thankfully, they have required medical treatment for their injuries. This has got to stop. If you get a parking ticket, fight the ticket, not our officers.”

The Parking Enforcement Unit regulates parking through municipal regulations, ensures smooth traffic flow and responds to inquiries about public and private parking.

They have also assisted with stolen vehicle recovery, interpreter services, emergency response and much more.

More information can be found here on the parking services page.