By Sean Delaney
In last month’s edition of The Emery Village Voice, we introduced Superintendent Mandeep Mann, the new leader of 31 Division, and explored his thoughts on trust, community partnerships, and reframing police-community engagement. This month, we dive deeper into his perspectives on tackling key issues like gun violence, calls for service, officer wellness, and his personal connection to the community.
On addressing gun violence
When asked about one of the most pressing issues in the division, Superintendent Mann spoke candidly about the complexities of youth involvement in gun violence and gang activity.
“The factors driving youth towards gun violence and gang involvement are multifaceted, extending far beyond the scope of traditional policing. Addressing these complex community safety and well-being challenges requires a comprehensive, multi-sector approach. No single entity can effectively tackle these issues alone. Instead, success demands a coordinated effort, leveraging expertise from various sectors including city services, health providers, and social support organizations, with active participation from all levels of government.”
Superintendent Mann highlighted the division’s focus on collaboration with community agencies to foster safety and resilience.
“By fostering partnerships with community organizations and residents, we can work towards a safer, more cohesive Toronto where young people have alternatives to violence and crime. Together, we can address the root causes of youth gun crime while building stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods.”
On Calls for Service
The growing demands placed on the division were another focal point of our discussion. Mann acknowledged the challenges faced by 31 Division as the city grows.
“Calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency, have increased significantly. We are at a pivotal time, responding to the dynamic impacts of geopolitical events while managing an unprecedented number of protests and public events.”
Despite these challenges, Superintendent Mann is committed to improving response times and maintaining high standards of service.
“In a growing city, where we are receiving more and more calls each year, including gun calls, we continue to make improvements in our response times for these top priority calls. However, an obvious challenge is that while the population has increased, the number of officers has decreased. This is an issue across our city, and we are working hard to address it.”
On Officer Wellness
Superintendent Mann also touched on the importance of looking after the wellness of his officers, acknowledging the trauma and pressures of police work.
“Being a police officer is a tremendous honour, but it comes with exposure to trauma—it’s not a matter of if but when. Our people’s well-being is critical to our success as an organization. If they cannot be at their best, then their interaction with the public will not be the best it can or should be.”
He emphasized creating a supportive environment for officers.
“It’s vital that I create an environment where members are able to look after each other, recognize when a colleague needs help, and advocate for those colleagues when they cannot advocate for themselves.”
On Connecting with the Community
When asked about his personal connection to the community, Superintendent Mann reflected on his faith and upbringing.
“I have come to realize that my passion for policing is mirrored in my passion for my faith, Sikhism. Both contain three traits that are part of who I am: noble duty—protecting society in a fair and equitable manner; leadership—supporting and mentoring police officers; and community service—helping those who need it, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.”
Mann also shared how his family’s immigrant story shaped his values.
“As a first-generation Canadian Sikh, my family has always been the centre of my life. My parents arrived in Canada with my one-year-old sister and $9 in their pocket. Their perseverance and determination to succeed, particularly at a time when visible minorities had far fewer resources and support, continues to inspire me every day. They instilled in us the importance of hard work, optimism, and family. I attribute my successes to the support they have provided me over the years.”
As we close this two-part series, The Emery Village Voice wishes Superintendent Mann and his family every success in his leadership of 31 Division. His dedication to trust, collaboration, and the well-being of both officers and community members signals a bright future for Emery Village.