Chief Bill Blair has applauded the provincial government for stepping up to the plate to support the police in its fight against crime.
“Seven years ago when we faced tremendous challenges with violence in our community, they stepped up to work with us not only to put more police resources on the streets through TAVIS (Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy) funding but by helping to make investments in our communities that are really making a difference,” he said, at this year’s Crime Prevention Week kick-off at Sherway Gardens.
Last August, the province announced it will be kicking in support to Crime Stoppers to double the reward for tips and any additional programs that encourage individuals to turn their firearms over to police.
The government has also made a $500,000 commitment in grants to community organizations to work with police to prevent crime. This is in addition to the permanent Provincial and Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategies (PAVIS and TAVIS) funding announced on July 23 by Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The theme for this year’s Crime Prevention Week was “Engaged Communities Prevent Crime.”
Blair said the Service is committed engaging with its communities to raise awareness about the importance of crime prevention.
“We cannot measure our success by the number of arrests we make, the number of charges that are laid and the guns and drugs that are seized,” he said.
“Don’t get me wrong, but those are important activities and we will continue to pursue crime and criminals relentlessly whenever they victimize our citizens. But if we are trying to live in a safe community and a place where all of us can be proud, where every young person can realise their potential, where every citizen can live in dignity and respect and peace and harmony, then we must work together.”
“…We know there are communities that suffer, that can be victimized by those what will harm others and so we must remain constantly vigilant and continue to work together to prevent crime, to maintain public safety and to keep this the great liveable city that we all so proudly call home.”
Toronto Police Services Board chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee said Crime Prevention Week provides an opportunity for citizens to participate in crime prevention initiatives in their communities.
“Together we can develop action-based strategies and meaningful initiatives that are powerful, multi-faceted and responsive to the changing times,” Mukherjee said.
“Crime Prevention is fundamental to building safe communities, but it cannot be left to the police alone. It’s joint effort. Communities and neighbourhoods have a valuable role in this endeavour. They are and must be vital partners in our efforts to build safe and healthy communities.”
“Neighbourhoods are safer when residents take control of public spaces. Schools are safer when young people assume leadership in efforts to stop bullying and our city’s streets are safer when Torontonians become engaged and mobilized in community safety initiatives.”
Member of Provincial Parliament Soo Wong, who is the parliamentary assistant to Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Madeleine Meilleur, emphasised that Crime Prevention Week is a time for citizens to reflect on the vital roles they have played in building safer communities.
“It’s also an excellent opportunity to share information, educate the public and strengthen our community partnerships,” she said.
The Divisional Policing Support Unit, with the support of Insp. Chris Fernandes and his staff, played a key role in organizing the event.
14 Division Community Police Liaison Committee youth member Kristopher Sousa was the master of ceremony.
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