Toronto Chief of Police Bill Blair has weighed in on the Rob Ford 911 controversy with his own statement, conveniently issued just before 5 p.m. on a Friday. In it, he says some stuff about 911 and that Ford didn't use the word "bitches" when he spoke with emergency services staff. That's about it, bitches. Read on if you like...

--

While it is not my practice to comment on 9-1-1 calls made to TPS emergency operators, serious allegations have been made about what was said during a series of three calls involving the mayor, and whether there was any abuse of the 9-1-1 service.

I'm concerned that this may have created confusion with the public about whether to call 9-1-1 or not. I cannot allow that to happen. Public safety is too important. Let me be clear. Anyone who has concerns for their safety, or the safety of their family, should call 9-1-1 without hesitation.

I also feel it is necessary to set the record straight about the conversations. There have been no complaints by any members of the TPS about the 9-1-1 conversations.

The content of those conversations has been misrepresented by what are claimed to be "several anonymous sources," presumably from within the TPS, in which case I have to set the record straight. I have listened to the three emergency calls. The mayor did not use the word "bitches," attributed to him by those "several anonymous sources." The mayor did not describe himself as the original account claimed.

Emergency calls involve people who are under stress, trying to communicate with emergency operators. Those operators work under great pressure, trying to get vital information from people, who are extremely anxious, so the proper police resources can be deployed. Our emergency operators are extremely well trained, equipped to deal with the most difficult situations. What is most important, above all else, is that public safety is protected.

William Blair,
Chief of Police