Mark Saunders to be named Toronto's next chief of police

Mark Saunders will be named Toronto’s next chief of police, CTV News has confirmed.

Sources said Sunday night that 52-year-old Saunders was chosen from among a pool of candidates, including deputy police chief Peter Sloly.

Saunders is a 32-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. He is the first African-Canadian to lead the force.

Currently, Saunders is the deputy chief in charge of specialized operations command.

Saunders will succeed current police chief Bill Blair, whose last day on the job is April 25. 

Blair has served as Toronto’s chief of police since 2005.

Saunders' appointment is expected to be formally announced at a news conference Monday morning.

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  Toronto's Deputy Police Chief Mark Saunders speaks to the media about a tunnel found situated near one of the venues for this year's Pan Am Games at a press conference in Toronto on Tuesday, February 24, 2015. (Chris Young / THE CANADIAN PRESS)