By Sean Delaney
Part1
The Emery Village Voice had the opportunity to sit down with new Superintendent Mandeep Mann and ask him a few key questions about his vision for 31 Division. With more than 25 years of experience in the Toronto Police Service, Superintendent Mann is no stranger to the area. He served in 31 Division as a Sergeant and Detective from 2009 to 2012. His return, now as Unit Commander, signals a new chapter for the community and the men and women who keep it safe every day.
Mann’s impressive career includes leading front-line, investigative, tactical, and training units, along with community-based policing projects. His academic background complements his leadership, with a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. His deep commitment to community policing and fostering trust is at the core of his leadership style.
When asked what attracted him to the role of Superintendent at 31 Division and what excites him most about leading in this community, Mann responded with humility.
“I feel humbled and privileged for the opportunity to lead the men and women of 31 Division, who work to keep our communities safe each and every day. My connection to 31 Division runs deep, as I was a Sergeant and Detective here from 2009 to 2012. Now, coming back as the Unit Commander, I reflect on how we’ve reframed our engagement with communities. We don’t police communities; we police with communities.”
Mann emphasized the importance of trust in policing. “Trust is at the heart of the institution of policing. One of my top priorities every day is to help my team build trust between everyone in this building and with the great people across the Division. Simply put, our ability to deliver police services effectively is compromised without trust.”
Community partnerships are another core focus for Superintendent Mann. “The Community Safety and Wellbeing vision demands community and partner engagement. We play a role in a network of service providers, including health care, social work, and community groups. Steering individuals away from destructive paths or helping them recover from victimization is a shared responsibility. Together, we can address the public safety issues that impact our community.”
When asked how he plans to strengthen community relationships in Emery Village, he pointed to Chief Demkiw’s guiding principle: Co-Design, Co-Develop, Co-Deliver.
“We are most successful when we align with the community,” Mann said. “This involves listening to our communities to understand the issues, building solutions together, and delivering those solutions as partners.”
Mann’s focus on collaboration is rooted in the idea that policing alone cannot solve all issues. “Police are part of a network, working alongside community organizations, health services, and social welfare agencies. Our goal is to prevent crime before it happens by addressing the root causes, like poverty, addiction, and mental health.”
As Emery Village moves forward, it is fortunate to have a leader like Superintendent Mandeep Mann at the helm of 31 Division, working to build a safer, more connected community for all.
Stay tuned next month for part two of this insightful conversation with Superintendent Mann, where he dives deeper into his plans for 31 Division’s future.