Don't Blame Toronto's Cops for G20 Mayhem

If anything is more unnecessary than the G20 Summit in Toronto itself, it’s the decision to hold an inquiry into police actions that weekend.

If anything is more misguided and unnecessary than the recent G20 Summit itself, it’s the decision to hold an independent inquiry into police actions that weekend.

A thousand arrests, 263 charged, no one seriously hurt, no police brutality, a serene citizenry, vandalism but no violence.  Forget about it.

Oh, the civil liberties activists have their shorts in a knot, but they always do. Ignore them. As for “violence” and “rioting” on Toronto streets during the G20, that’s hyperbole and wishful thinking.

What was loose in Toronto that weekend was some hooliganism and mischief. No blood on the streets, no casualties, no real violence. The Black Bloc agitators smashed and grabbed, but they weren’t after blood. No Tehran here.

As for the occasional journalist being rounded up, into the temporary detention centre - - that’s a hazard of the trade. Sure, they bellyache but their editors were probably pleased to have a staff member on the “inside” to report first-hand the horrors faced – like stale cheese sandwiches and insufficient drinking water.

To suggest there was police brutality is again wishful thinking by those who yearn for substance to malign the cops. Yes, some cops over-reacted, or questioned people unnecessarily. Or searched the wrong bag. Or questioned identities. But the city was on high alert for trouble.

Our police are not experienced in coping with riots or street violence.

The worst they’ve dealt with are street blockages by Tamil demonstrators. In any European capital, where demonstrations and violence are routine, the police are adept at clamping down quickly and ruthlessly. Thank goodness Canadian police are not experienced at the sort of mayhem other countries endure.

As for G20 demonstrations, of course it was wrong and unfortunate that police seemed to believe secret laws had been passed giving them the right to violate civil rights. It should be remembered that this was a delicate time, and it’s unlikely to happen again.

Another thing. This was the first time police had a chance to wear their new riot gear, complete with shields and helmets and all the Darth Vader stuff. Maybe it went to some heads. But nothing serious happened.

When one looks at the photos and TV shots of vandals in black smashing store windows – scenes that provoked Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly to speculate that Toronto (not his favorite city) was in flames -- one can see crowds and multi-cameras in the background. But no police.

The question begs: Where were the cops? Why didn’t the police arrest these guys, and why is it that civic-minded bank employees had to step up on behalf of the rest of us to physically stop these criminal outsiders?

Again, Toronto was not “reeling from violence and vandalism and chaos.” Some were unnecessarily arrested, or held, but better safe than sorry.

To suggest, as some do, that Police Chief Bill Blair should resign or be fired is as absurd as holding the inquiry, which would serve only those who don’t like the police and want to embarrass the city.

You can be assured that the police security at the G20 will be reviewed and adjustments and improvements will be made for next time. But we should all hope that our police don’t become too experienced at coping with riots and violence, for if they do it will mean our society is disintegrating into something no one wants.