TO Toronto Emergency & Protective Services Committee 

FROM:Norman Gardner, Chairman

Toronto Police Services Board

 SUBJECT:Response to information requested aboutparking enforcement issues.

 Recommendation:

 It is recommended that the following report be received for information.

 Council Reference/Background History:

 At its meeting on August 27, 1998, the Toronto Police Services Board was in receipt of the following report JULY 20, 1998 from David J. Boothby, Chief of Police:

  "SUBJECT:Information Requested by the City of

Toronto Budget Committee Relating to

Parking Enforcement

 RECOMMENDATION:THAT the Board receive this report for information, and that a copy be forwarded to the City of Toronto Budget Committee.

 BACKGROUND:

 At the meeting of March 11, 1998, the Budget Committee of the City of Toronto requested the Toronto Police Service respond to a number of issues affecting the Parking Enforcement Unit's 1998 budget.

  This report provides the requested responses. The delay in response occurred because the transmittal letter dated March 18, 1998 did not include all of the recommendations made by the Budget Committee. The corrected letter was forwarded July 7, 1998.

 (2) the Parking Enforcement Unit to:

 (b) establish a target to reduce absenteeism from 9 per cent to 5 per cent and that it provide a plan on how this can be done;

Parking Enforcement staff reported sick/injured on average of 3.4 times during 1997. In addition to the outdoor requirements, enforcement duties involve particular challenges. For example, over the past two years nearly 90 assault charges have been laid resulting from incidents involving Parking Enforcement Officers on duty.

 Unit management is taking a number of initiatives to minimize absenteeism.

 The Supervisor of Administration has been assigned responsibility of ensuring sick staff comply with all Service requirements (e.g. doctor's letters), are reassessed when specified by the Service's Medical Advisory Service and take whatever steps are required to return the employee to work as soon as their situation permits.

 With the assistance of Human Resources, strategies have been developed to assist long term light duty staff enhance their job skills qualifying them for reclassification and placement in other units. Replacement Parking Enforcement Officers are then hired, improving unit productivity. Since January, two officers have been reclassified and several others are currently within this program.

 (c) take the necessary action to civilianize the last remaining parking enforcement positions; that the Toronto Police Service be thanked for its efforts with regard to parking enforcement; and that the Parking Enforcement Unit report back to the Budget Committee before the 1998 budget wrap-up meeting on the cost of these positions and how the budget will be adjusted;

 The Unit updated the Police Services Board in November 1997 on its progress with civilianization. The following quote from the Board Letter (minute 453/97) summarizes both the progress and issues involved

  "Since its inception the Parking Enforcement Unit has made consistent progress towards its target of fully civilianizing the Unit. The position reclassification report approved by the Board on February 26, 1997 deleted one third of the remaining uniform positions. The key challenge faced in securing full civilianization of the final six positions is the current lack of fully qualified operational staff. To address this issue in mid 1997 a civilian supervisory position was created on an acting basis to replace one of the sergeants. This will provide a career development opportunity eventually leading to permanent civilianization.

 In the shorter term, plans are underway to civilianize the Staff Sergeant position, achieving full civilianization of that section in 1998"

 The report civilianizing the Staff Sergeant position is contained in the current Board agenda, and will generate a net savings in the 1999 estimates.

  (d) report back to the Budget Committee with information on the number of parking enforcement officers that may be required to meet the demands of the calls received; the costs related thereto; and the effect on the revenue and expenses of the Parking Enforcement Unit.

 The average Parking Enforcement Officer provides a net revenue of approximately $113,000 for the City, equivalent to 2.25 times the cost of the position.

 Over the last 12 months the Unit suffered higher than usual staffing shortfalls due to constable recruitment. This situation will be resolved by 1998 hiring.

 Parking Enforcement staff have reviewed the current establishment and believe that it is adequate to meet the City's enforcement needs.

 Superintendent Gary Beamish (8-6653) will be present at the Board meeting to answer any questions."

  Conclusions:

 The Board received the foregoing.

  Contact Name and Telephone Number:

 Superintendent Gary Beamish, Parking Enforcement Unit, telephone no. 808-6653.

   Respectfully submitted,

    Norman Gardner

Chairman

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