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Any questions about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford were duly ignored last night, as Toronto Police and Toronto’s Asian community leaders met up for a public town hall meeting.

Last night at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Asia Pacific Community Consultative Committee organized a talk with Toronto Police to discuss community issues.

Top among concerns for community members were Toronto Police’s safety while using firearms and tasers following the death of Sammy Yatim this summer, the increasing number of fatalities at crosswalks in Toronto’s suburbs, the growing problem of new Torontonians being unable to report abuse of any kind, and the end of the police’s hiring freeze.

Freeze on hiring offices will end next year, and sixty recruits are being out into training in December.

— Matthew O'Mara (@MatthewOMara) November 13, 2013

"We have about 300 fewer officers today than we did three years ago," said Blair.

— Matthew O'Mara (@MatthewOMara) November 13, 2013

"We really value language skills," said Blair on the end of the freeze on Toronto a police hiring.

— Matthew O'Mara (@MatthewOMara) November 13, 2013

“For the past almost 20 years there have been a number of consultations between the police and Toronto’s communities,” said Chief William Blair.

“It’s important on consultation that we don’t just come together for suggestions,” said Blair. He said tot he audience that consultations are a chance for Toronto’s communities to come together and bring up real concerns to this public forum.

And they did.

Community members from Toronto’s Burmese, Cambodia, Japanese, Korean, Laotian,  Malaysian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Filipino communities spoke directly to the chief at the event.

One audience member asked Blair what he plans to do about countdown crosswalks that are causing an increase in fatalities, especially in Toronto’s seniors demographic.

“You cannot rely the driver will do the right thing. You cannot rely the pedestrian will do the right thing,” said Blair. He also mentioned that the responsibility of Toronto Police Services is to enforce anyone who passes through the lights illegally, not to change the countdown. He referred the speaker to bring up her concerns with the Ministry of Transportation.

"Us seniors don't go to school anymore," an audience member asks police how they are going to educate seniors. pic.twitter.com/UhT66y9XJe

— Matthew O'Mara (@MatthewOMara) November 13, 2013

"the value of this meeting for me is to hear from you," said Blair. pic.twitter.com/Q0Qly46x7Q

— Matthew O'Mara (@MatthewOMara) November 13, 2013

Japanese community members also brought forward issues for the many Japanese students who come to Toronto each year to study English.

According to a Japanese Social Services spokesperson who was at the town hall, language is the major problem faced by Japanese students who come to Toronto seeking job experience. The language barrier prevents students from having confidence in their ability to report crimes and also to be key witnesses in investigations.

Blair said Toronto Police have developed programs to give new citizens education on their rights and protections while in Toronto; however, the problem is how deliver these messages to them. The Chief said that he relies on community organizations to help get these young people to come forward with their concern and not to be afraid of Toronto’s Police Service.

For live coverage of the event, be sure to check out our Live Twitter Feed.

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The night ended with Chief Bill Blair receiving a complimentary Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 50th Anniversary Yearbook from JCCC President Gary Kawaguchi.

Below is a small slideshow of some of the other events from the night.