Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders — the force’s first Black leader — steps down, stunning his own staff

Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders, the first Black leader of Canada’s largest municipal police service, is resigning July 31 — a surprise move that comes with eight months left in his contract and amid growing calls for police reform locally and across North America. Monday’s sudden announcement, which has stunned both rank and file and higher-ups in his own force, comes at a time of upheaval for Saunders’ profession. Just three days ago, Saunders — an officer of 37 years, all of them in Toronto — took a knee as a sign of solidarity with protesters decrying police use of force against Black citizens and amid growing calls to “defund” police organizations.-- More...