The Toronto Police Association is challenging the chair of the civilian oversight board’s vision of policing, saying he used “misleading comments” when describing what the future of policing could look like in this city.

In an interview with The Star published last week, Alok Mukherjee spoke of the need for “renewal” and “transformation” in the Toronto Police Service.

The traditional model of policing has “outlived its utility and relevance,” Mukherjee told the Star. He said organizational changes could lead to the disarming of some officers, since 80 per cent of police work today isn’t fighting crime but dealing with such things as domestic violence, youth safety and people with mental illness.

The TPA board of directors on Wednesday fired back in a two-page “Just the Facts” statement that was being circulated in police divisions across the city. Among other things, the statement takes issue with Mukherjee’s assertion that 80 per cent of work isn’t crime fighting.

“His observation is incorrect and does not reflect the multi-dimensional nature of police work,” the statement says.

“Contrary to Dr. Mukherjee’s observations, domestic violence and youth safety issues are generally criminal in nature. Police response to persons with mental illness is often criminal in nature, particularly when the person is in crisis, damaging property or threatening to hurt themselves or others.”

The TPA represents about 8,000 civilian and uniform members.

As for disarming officers, the statements notes that seven people were shot and two were stabbed during the Civic Holiday weekend. Last year, there were more than 200 reported shootings, which resulted in 22 homicides.

“Our officers have been killed during seemingly routine calls including traffic stops and neighbour disputes. They deal with armed gangs and violent criminals on a daily basis,” says the statement.

“Situations can quickly escalate and police officers have the right to use whatever force is necessary to ensure public safety.”

The TPA also argues the police $1.08 billion budget has not increased disproportionately when taken as a percentage of the total municipal budget, fluctuating between 10 and 11 per cent of the gross city budget.

While the TPA didn’t explicitly mention the board’s decision not to renew Chief Bill Blair’s contract when it expires in April, the statement alluded to it with a closing shot at the chair.

“Where Dr. Mukherjee and the Association do agree .. is that there is a need for organizational change at the top, and that might well begin with the Toronto Police Services Board.”