Good cops, really good cops, generally do more than investigate and arrest bad guys.
Really good cops, or coppers as they typically refer to themselves, are connected to their community in a way that allows them to understand and even foresee the concerns and problems within those communities.
Ron Taverner is one of those cops; and for his dedication he was recently invested in the most prestigious Order of Merit of the Police Forces by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.
"It's a tremendous honour," said colleague Insp. Scott Baptist.
And very selective. Last year only 40 officers across Canada earned the order.
"There is no one more deserving," Baptist said. "He is in touch with so many in the community, and that's how you gain their respect."
Taverner, a 42-year veteran of the force, is superintendent of 23 Division, in Toronto's north-west end.
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It's a career which has included work in intelligence, community policing, morality, special investigation and motorcycle gangs. It was the late '70s and early '80s when he worked in the biker division, a time of much violence said Taverner.
"It was a little on the scary side," Taverner said. "My partner and I were doing observations at a biker funeral when we were spotted. About 200 of them surrounded us and threatened to shoot us. All the while I'm thinking, am I going to go home tonight?
"Fortunately someone called the police. "
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It was Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair who put Taverner's name forward.
"He's a helluva cop. When I was brand new, he was already renowned for his work with motorcycle gangs, and today the community connects with him in an unbelievable way."
Blair adds Taverner is his role model, and someone he turns to teach others.
"I send officers to him to learn how to connect with people and become leaders," Blair said.
