'I feel like I let you down a bit': Trailblazer on police board departs with call to action on diversity

Chair Susan Toth resigned from the London Police Services Board on Jan. 19, 2023. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)

Chair Susan Toth resigned from the London Police Services Board (LPSB) just as she had joined it in 2017 — pushing for improvement, compassion and diversity.

At the end of Thursday’s meeting, Toth surprised everyone with her decision to step down after being reappointed by council late last year.

She described a growing realization that she’s “at the end of my rope.”

Toth expressed her mixed feelings about leaving the seven-member board with only one seat filled by a person from a racialized community and said, “Felt like a disservice to the community, and to my community in particular as a racialized woman, if I wasn’t going to be able to give a hundred percent.”

To the BIPOC community she admitted, “I feel Iike I let you down a bit.”

However, the board’s accomplishments during her tenure suggests otherwise.

London police hired a psychologist to treat officers, urged the federal government to recognize femicide, and established advisory panels on racism, mental health and addiction.

She also had a role in hiring the current chief, deputy chief and participated in negotiating the current collective bargaining agreement with the London Police Association.

As the first Latina woman on the board, Toth faced racism and harassment from members of the community.

She urged city council to select her replacement from the Indigenous or Black communities.

“In moments where we understand the critical importance of diversity, and the importance in particular of having a Black or Indigenous member, you need to actively seek out those members, you need to actively go out and put out a call,” she said.

Toth supported the appointment of Ali Chabar as the new chair of LPSB and Megan Walker as vice-chair.

“You are an asset to this board and an asset to this community,” Chabar said to her on behalf of the entire board. “Please don’t deny the city of London your voice.”