It’s been a miserable week for Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, and it will likely remain tough sledding ahead. The Toronto Star printed new photos which clearly show the face of police officers alleged to have used unreasonable force against protesters during the G-20. Other negative fallout regarding the controversial temporary powers given to police is swirling around the Toronto force as well. When this latest round began, Blair was out of town at a conference, and opted not to do media interviews, leaving spokesperson Mark Pugash to respond. That was a mistake. Mark does a great job, but this was serious enough to warrant the boss’ direct presence in the story. Blair could have done phone interviews, and I’m sure the TV networks would have facilitated satellite interviews from local affiliates. When he got home, Blair did get busy granting all kinds of interviews, but he was now having to play catch-up. By week’s end, he was sounding the right notes about “working relentlessly” to identify the officers involved and giving full co-operation to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) probe now underway. He also acknowledged the public’s expectation and right to transparency from the police. Again, right messages, but they come after an initial Fumble. Bob Reid has been a journalist and media advisor to a former Ontario Premier. He now is the chief media strategist and principle media coach in the Corporate and Public Affairs practice at Veritas.
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