Only the chief of police, who is responsible to the board as a whole, receives direction on objectives, policies and priorities.

[1][2] Membership of the board includes the mayor of Toronto (or a designate), two city councillors, one civilian member appointed by city council and three civilian members appointed by the province.

The board comprises seven members, three appointed by the Province of Ontario and four by the City of Toronto.

A chair (presently Ann Morgan) and vice-chair are elected from its membership.

The Community Safety and Policing Act requires the board to meet at least four times a year.