Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders has spoken to NEWSTALK 1010 about a protest by his officers, who've been wearing union ball caps instead of their police hats.
At a meeting Tuesday evening, Saunders said, "I didn't ask. I ordered. Under the Police Services act, it's a lawful order by the Office of the Chief."
He says he's in talks with the police association.
Asked if there will be any penalty for officers who defy his order, Saunders said, "Chief Saunders will figure that one out later."
Last week, the Toronto Police Association encouraged officers to wear navy blue and white ball caps on the job instead of their uniform hats to register their frustration with staffing levels and a move to modernize the service.
"This is a message that, no, we are not happy," President Mike McCormack told NEWSTALK 1010 last Thursday. "The workplace is a disaster. Morale is a disaster."
In a memo to officers obtained by NEWSTALK 1010 Chief Saunders said he would allow the ball cap protest "for a short period" in the spirit of solidarity. In a notice sent to members Monday, the TPA reveals the Chief expected officers to be back in regular uniform as of 6 a.m. Tuesday. But the union remained defiant.
"The TPA Board is asking all uniform members, from the rank of constable to staff sergeant, to continue to wear their hats in a show of solidarity and support," reads a memo obtained by NEWSTALK 1010.
Speaking on Moore in the Morning Tuesday McCormack said they are still working toward action to resolve some of their concerns and are continuing to meet with the chief and chair of the police services board.
with files from Tiffany Hendsbee