Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair leaves public service with his share of controversy, but high public approval that could help him if he runs for public office, a new poll suggests.

Over the weekend Forum Research asked 843 Torontonians for their feelings about Blair, whose term ends April 25. Last July, the Toronto Police Services Board denied Blair’s request for a two-year contract extension.

Some 61 per cent of respondents approved of Blair’s performance. Thirty eight per cent called him a “good police chief” while 18 per cent said he has been “one of the best.”

Support was highest among older people, women, wealthier Torontonians and those who voted for John Tory as mayor in October’s election.

Only 11 per cent thought Blair was “not very good,” while 3 per cent said the chief has been “not at all good.”

Respondents were split on the decision not to renew Blair’s contract; 46 per cent approved of the decision, while 43 per cent disapproved. Approval was highest among younger people, mid-income groups and Doug Ford voters. Eleven per cent had no opinion in the poll, which has a margin of error of 3 per cent 19 times out of 20.

The Star reported earlier this month that the federal Liberals and Conservatives are both eyeing Blair as a potential candidate in the upcoming federal election. Blair has left the door open to “public service” after April.

The poll found 36 per cent of respondents would vote for Blair if he were a candidate in their federal riding, compared with 44 per cent who would not.

Blair got the top job in 2005. Over the years he earned kudos for measures including anti-gang efforts, but was criticized on issues such as police treatment of protesters and bystanders at the G20 summit in 2010.

Blair also had high-profile tensions with former mayor Rob Ford, on whom he opened an investigation.

Forum asked respondents if Blair should have had Ford charged with drug offences during the crack video scandal.

Just over half said Ford should been charged, while 34 per cent said the opposite. Criminal experts have told the Star that police did not have enough evidence to lay such charges.

“The chief will leave with his head high,” said Forum Research president Lorne Bozinoff. “The one thing he might have done to endear himself even more to the city, however, was apparently to bust the mayor when he had a chance.”

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