LogoutPolice Constable Robert Takeda
This oral history interview features P.C. Robert Shiro Takeda, a third-generation Japanese-Canadian police officer with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force. Born in 1963, Takeda discusses his family’s internment during World War II and his journey from computer repair technician to police officer in 1988.
The interview provides detailed insights into police training through the six-level system, including experiences at C.O. Bick College, Ontario Police College in Aylmer, and field training at 52 Division before permanent assignment to 32 Division. Takeda candidly discusses the challenges of being a visible minority in policing, including racist comments from the public while experiencing strong support from fellow officers.
Takeda offers valuable perspectives on police work in the late 1980s and early 1990s, discussing crime patterns, community policing, and the impact of budget constraints. His reflections on the training system, court experiences, and the balance between enforcement and community relations provide important documentation of Canadian policing practices during this period.
This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.
References
The following are a selection of topics discussed in this oral history.
- Japanese-Canadian Internment
- World War II
- British Columbia
- Metropolitan Toronto
- Ontario
- York Region
- Police Service
- Chief McCormack
- Christine J.N. Kates
- John Tanouye
- Robert Shiro Takeda
- Takeda Shingen
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre
- 1980s
- 1990s
- Arrest Powers
- Case Law
- Criminal Code
- Criminal Law
- Police Powers
- Traffic Law
Some of these references were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Archive Details
File consists of oral history records documenting the life and career of Robert Takeda (b. 1963), a police officer in the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force. Interview topics include: Seneca and Centennial College; police training, 1988; discrimination; opinion of Metro Toronto Police Force. Interview conducted by Christine J.N. Kates. File includes two audio cassette recordings and a transcript with index (55 p.).