Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement

Thursday, March 29, 2018 - 9:47 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during the upcoming holidays: Good Friday on Friday March 30, 2018, Easter Sunday on Sunday April 1, 2018, and Easter Monday on April 2, 2018:

• Pay-and-Display/Metered Areas
• Rush-Hour Routes
• Posted signs indicating Monday to Friday regulations

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement Operations

Police request assistance identifying man in Assault with a Weapon investigation

Police request assistance identifying man in Assault with a Weapon investigation

Friday, March 23, 2018 - 4:00 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting assistance identifying a man in an Assault with a Weapon investigation.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at approximately 3:20 p.m. officers responded to a call for an Assault at the Tim Horton’s at 261 Yonge Street.

It is reported that:

- a man entered the restaurant, ordered a coffee and began yelling at the cashier,

- the manager asked the man to leave,

- the man threw a cup of hot coffee in the manager's face,

- he then fled the scene.

The man is described as approximately 40 years old, with a medium build, a beard and was wearing glasses with black frames. He was also wearing a black jacket and a blue shirt.

Security camera images of the man are released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mary MacNaughton, 51 Division

Police request assistance identifying man in Assault with a Weapon investigation

Toronto Police Modernization Plan, The Review of Year One and A Look Ahead

Toronto Police Modernization Plan, The Review of Year One and A Look Ahead

Friday, March 23, 2018 - 1:45 PM
Strategy Management:  416-808-7018

Yesterday at the Toronto Police Services Board monthly meeting, the Toronto Police Service shared a “Year in Review” of the modernization plan currently being implemented. The presentation included a look ahead at some exciting changes for the upcoming year.

The Year in Review highlights included:

- Creation of the implementation team comprised of members with the operational perspective of the Service and external expertise to create the right environment to begin work on significant projects.

- Creation of a Modernization Scorecard, updated regularly, for Service Members and the public to view at The Way Forward.

- Launch of the new Public Safety Data Portal.

- The Service-wide implementation of the Community Investigative Support Unit (C.I.S.U) is nearing completion. These units are able to take lower priority calls, enabling the frontline to focus on priority calls that require an immediate police presence.

- The successful launch, at 51 Division, of the Connected Officer Program that resulted in 236 frontline members now equipped with mobile technology that provides needed real-time information in the field.

- The creation and launch of Human Resource’s New People and Core Competencies available at The People Plan.

- A Council approved decision for the Service’s new site for 54 and 55 Division at Coxwell and Danforth.

- The service reallocation of the Life Guard Program to the City of Toronto.

A Look Ahead includes:

- Receiving the final Organizational Culture Assessment report which evaluates our current culture against our desired future state. Service members and the public can expect to hear about the outcomes in the spring.

- Continued work on Divisional boundary changes and facilities realignment. This is a multi-year project and there will be significant internal and external engagement to help everyone understand how the “lines on the map” were created, what they will mean and when everyone can expect to see changes.

- The next location for the expansion of the Connected Officer Program will be announced this spring.

- Starting this summer, the Service will be working with the City to fill vacant Crossing Guard positions with qualified civilians – police officers will no longer be deployed for Crossing Guard duties.

- Continued work with various partners to help build the framework for the Neighbourhood Officer Program.

“We have had some significant breakthroughs in our first year of implementation and I appreciate all the hard work that has us poised to do even more this year,” explained Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders. “We know the appetite for change is high. I am looking forward to increasing engagement with our members and the public about our modernization plan, including the realignment of our organization from our current model of 17 Divisions to a new model with 10 Districts. This move will allow us to be more flexible in our deployment and more effective in sharing resources. It will mean more support for members and it will mean better service to the public,” commented Chief Saunders.

The next quarterly report will take place at the Toronto Police Services Board meeting in May.

About the Action Plan: The Way Forward
Mandated to look beyond the way policing is currently done in Toronto, the Transformational Task Force (TTF) proposed a modernized policing model for the city that is innovative, sustainable, and affordable. The model will place communities at its core, be intelligence-led, optimize the use of resources and technology, and embrace partnerships as a means of enhancing capacity and capability. The final report - Action Plan: The Way Forward – contains 32 recommendations and was accepted by the Toronto Police Services Board in February, 2017 as the Service’s Business Plan for the next three years.

To read more about this and the entire Action Plan: The Way Forward, click here.

For more information, please contact Sandra Buckler at Sandra.Buckler@torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications

International Human Trafficking Training & Awareness Conference, Opening ceremonies

Media advisory, Monday, March 19, 2018, 8 a.m., Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West, International Human Trafficking Training & Awareness Conference, Opening ceremonies

Sunday, March 18, 2018 - 7:29 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-8385

On Monday, March 19, 2018, at 8 a.m., at the Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West, the Toronto Police Service, in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, will open the first International Human Trafficking Training & Awareness Conference.

The conference will feature speakers from all over the world, who will share their expertise and experiences with human trafficking investigations. Topics include: case studies from law enforcement agencies, stories from survivors, and the use of data analytics in the fight against human trafficking.

Opening ceremonies are open to the media and will include remarks by Chief Mark Saunders; OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes; Minister of Community Safety & Correctional Services, the Honourable Marie-France Lalonde; MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ms. Laurie Scott; and Director of the Provincial Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, Ms. Jennifer Richardson.

For more information, please contact Meaghan Gray at 416-808-7095 or meaghan.gray@torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Nunziato Tramontozzi, Sex Crimes Human Trafficking Enforcement Team

"Slow Down Toronto" campaign kick-off

Media advisory, Monday, March 19, 2018, 7:30 a.m., Cornell Junior Public School, 61 Holmfirth Terrace, "Slow Down Toronto" campaign kick-off

Sunday, March 18, 2018 - 6:59 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service is an important partner in Vision Zero: Toronto's Road Safety Plan.

On Monday, March 19, 2018, at 7:30 a.m., “Slow Down Toronto” will kick-off at Cornell Junior Public School, 61 Holmfirth Terrace.

Speakers at this event will include:

• Mayor John Tory
• Deputy Chief Peter Yuen
• Councillor Paul Ainslie
• Barbara Gray, General Manager, Transportation Services
• Yvonne de Wit, Director, Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention, Toronto Public Health

Other guests in attendance will include:

• TDSB Director of Education John Malloy
• TDSB Chair of the Board Robin Pilkey
• Cornell Junior Public School Trustee Jerry Chadwick
• School Superintendent Kerry Lynn Stadnyk
• School Principal Maureen Coyle

Vision Zero acknowledges that collisions are inevitable but that killed and seriously injured (KSI) collisions on the roads of Toronto are preventable and unacceptable. The Toronto Police Service is committed to Vision Zero and to working collaboratively with our partner agencies in pursuit of this vision.

The "Slow Down Toronto" campaign will start on Monday, March 19, 2018 and conclude on Sunday, April 1, 2018. During this campaign, the Toronto Police Service will focus traffic enforcement efforts on offences identified as major contributors to KSI collisions. These include offences such as speeding, distracted driving, and all offences indicating aggressive driving behaviour.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

Public Safety Alert, Series of thefts in the downtown core, Security camera images of man released

Public Safety Alert, Series of thefts in the downtown core, Security camera images of man released

Friday, March 16, 2018 - 3:10 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a series of thefts in the downtown core.

It is reported that:

- from August 2017 until March 2018, a man has stolen bags, credit cards, electronics and other items, from several professional- and university-related properties.

Security camera images of man released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Sheraz Arshad, 51 Division

Media advisory Monday, March 19, 2018 through Sunday, April 1, 2018, March Safe - pedestrian and school zone safety campaign

Media advisory Monday, March 19, 2018 through Sunday, April 1, 2018, March Safe - pedestrian and school zone safety campaign

Friday, March 16, 2018 - 8:14 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service will be conducting the March Safe pedestrian and school zone safety campaign from Monday, March 19, 2018, through Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Collision analysis has shown that, on average, 50-60% of all our fatalities involve pedestrians. To date, 80% of all the fatalities reported this year have involved pedestrians. Last year, 36 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 58% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto. To date, 54% of pedestrian fatalities have involved pedestrians who are seniors.

Officers will be paying special attention to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who commit traffic violations that may jeopardize pedestrian safety. Parking Enforcement Officers will also be focusing on parking offences that may compromise the safety of pedestrians. Particular attention will be given to all intersection-related offences, pedestrian crosswalk violations, and pedestrians crossing in mid-block locations.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This applies to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit-users alike. We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Driver Safety Tips

- a driver who is aware and alert can avoid potential hazards and other distractions.
- scan to identify pedestrians and cyclists entering the road from curbs and driveways or when approaching intersections
- be ready for the unexpected
- avoid using distracting devices
- leave at least 2-3 seconds following distance between you and the vehicles ahead
- in fog, rain, snow or darkness, use your full headlighting system. Remember, when conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you should turn on your headlights as well
- to avoid backing into, or out of, a parking space, pull straight through two stalls (where available) so you are parked with the nose of your vehicle facing out
- drive in travelled lanes only - avoid driving across or through parking spaces
- use rearview and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

Pedestrians/Transit Users' Tips

Parents and caregivers can help reinforce some of these pedestrian safety messages to children, as well as some of our more vulnerable seniors and transit users.

- stop, look, listen and think before entering the roadway
- utilize crossings at controlled areas, intersections and crosswalks
- make eye contact with drivers and other road-users
- wear reflective or bright clothing whenever possible
- never run into the street
- obey crossing signals and signs

Let's all work together to make the rest of the year safe.

Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

Statement from Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders

Statement from Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders

Friday, March 9, 2018 - 4:50 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

There is no higher priority for the Toronto Police Service - or for me as Chief than the safety of the city and the confidence of the public.

For this reason, when questions related to the past encounter with Bruce McArthur came to light I immediately launched a Professional Standards investigation to get to the bottom of what happened.

With the various reviews and the ongoing homicide investigation, it has become increasingly frustrating for the community to not get the answers they are looking for.

I want to provide reassurance that we are taking their concerns seriously, that we see this as an opportunity to improve our police service and build our relationship with the community.

Here’s what we’ve done so far:

1. Finalized plans for a dedicated Missing Persons Unit, tasked with the responsibility of reviewing and updating the status of missing person reports currently on file and with investigating high-priority, historic cases and new reports

2. Engaged in a robust community outreach plan that includes in-person presentations by Deputy Chief of Police Barbara McLean and LGBTQ Liaison Officer Danielle Bottineau

3. A Professional Standards review of the Tess Richey and Alloura Wells cases where serious questions have arisen that concern the community and me.

Each of these actions is clear and concrete. As well, with the support of Police Board Chair Andy Pringle and Mayor Tory, I am pursuing an independent external review. My hope is that such a review will consider not only our investigative processes but take a hard look at systemic issues of bias of any kind. I believe these issues are serious enough to warrant a review.

I have been working over the last ten days with officials and counterparts in the provincial government to explore what independent review or reviews might be possible without prejudging any current investigations or any future prosecutions. That work continues.

I appreciate the full support I have had from the Chair and the Mayor and I look forward to speaking on these issues more fully at the March 22nd Board meeting.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize my gratitude to the members of the community who have assisted us and who have continued to support us. The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring their trust is not only maintained but strengthened in response to these legitimate questions and issues.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications

31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 12 p.m., Road closures

31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 12 p.m., Road closures

Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 4:00 PM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5048

On Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 12 p.m., the 31st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place. The procession will start from Bloor St. W. and St. George St., and continue along Bloor Street, then south on Yonge Street, west on Queen Street West to Nathan Phillips Square.

As a result of the event, a full road closure will take place on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and Queen Street. A number of secondary roads will also be closed or partially closed, affecting traffic flow in the area. The closures are listed below:

8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.:
St. George Street from Bloor Street West to College Street
Devonshire Place from Bloor Street West to Hoskin Avenue

10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.:
Hoskin Avenue from St. George Street to Queens Park Crescent West
Harbord Street from St. George Street to Huron Street

11:55 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bloor Street from Huron Street to Yonge Street
Yonge Street from Bloor Street to Queen Street
Queen Street West from Yonge Street to University Avenue

12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bay Street from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West
Elizabeth Street from Dundas Street West to Hagerman Street
Hagerman Street from Elizabeth Street to Bay Street

12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
University Avenue from Queen Street West to Dundas Street. West
Armoury Street from University Avenue. to Chestnut Street
Centre Avenue from Dundas Street West to Armoury Street

TTC service will be disrupted during the event on Queen Street West.

This event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Members of the public should anticipate traffic disruptions, in the area surrounding the event.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Brenda Norrmalm, Special Events

Media Advisory March Break Safety Tips

Media Advisory March Break Safety Tips

Friday, March 9, 2018 - 2:30 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers to slow down and eliminate distractions.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This advice applies to pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and transit users alike. We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas popular with children and seniors.

Collision analysis has typically demonstrated that over half of all Toronto fatalities involve pedestrians. To date, 80% of all the fatalities reported this year have involved pedestrians. Last year, 36 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 58% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto. Additionally, to date 54% of the pedestrian fatalities have involved senior aged pedestrians.

Driver Safety Tips:

- A driver who is aware and alert can avoid potential hazards and other distractions
- Scan to identify pedestrians and cyclists entering the road from curbs and driveways or when approaching intersections
- Be ready for the unexpected, avoid using distracting devices
- Leave at least 2-3 seconds following distance between you and the vehicles ahead
- In fog, rain, snow or darkness, use your full head-lighting system Remember, when conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you should turn on your headlights as well
- To avoid backing into, or out of, a parking space, pull straight through two stalls (where available) so you are parked with the nose of your vehicle facing out
- Drive in travelled lanes only - avoid driving across or through parking spaces
- Use rear-view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

Pedestrians/Transit Users' Tips:

Parents and caregivers can help reinforce some of these pedestrian safety messages to children, as well as some of our more vulnerable seniors and transit users.

- Stop, look, listen and think before entering the roadway
- Utilize crossings at controlled areas, intersections and crosswalks
- Make eye contact with drivers and other road users
- Wear reflective or bright clothing whenever possible
- Never run into the street
- Obey crossing signals and signs

Let's all work together to make the rest of the year safe.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clinton Stibbe, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

Thursday, March 8, 2018, 8 p.m., Fraud Prevention Month #FPM2018

Thursday, March 8, 2018, 8 p.m., Fraud Prevention Month #FPM2018

Thursday, March 8, 2018 - 5:59 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

March is Fraud Prevention Month. The philosophy is for Canadians to recognize, reject and report Fraud, and reduce Fraud by increasing fraud awareness. Fraud Prevention Month is spearheaded by the Competition Bureau of Canada. #fraudchat is running a four-week series during Fraud Prevention Month with our special guest Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Week 1: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Tax Scams

On Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 8 p.m., we will be joined by our special guests at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to answer questions regarding tax scams. Members of the public can follow The Canada Revenue Agency and the Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre using the hashtags @canantifraud and @CanRevAgency on Twitter.

To follow #fraudchat, members of the public simply need to log on to Twitter from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST and follow the #fraudchat hashtag. An application such as Tweetdeck, which allows users to separately view tweets containing this hashtag, is also helpful in following the chat.

#fraudchat is an online Twitter program that seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Gail Regan (@ReganFCU), and Diane Kelly (@DKellyFCU) of TPS Financial Crimes, along with Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (@Canantifraud).

For more information about #fraudchat, please contact Financial Crimes at 416-808-7300.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Katrina Arrogante, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Diane Kelly, Financial Crimes

Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Photo of John Doe Released

Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Photo of John Doe Released

Monday, March 5, 2018 - 11:00 AM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

Between January 18, 2018 and February 23, 2018, Bruce McArthur has been charged with six counts of First Degree Murder.

It is alleged that he is responsible for the deaths of:

- Selim Esen
- Andrew Kinsman
- Majeed Kayhan
- Dean Lisowick
- Soroush Mahmoudi
- Skandaraj Navaratnam

With the assistance of Ontario's Forensic Pathology Services, seven sets of human remains have now been recovered. Three sets have already been identified as belonging to Andrew Kinsman, Soroush Mahmudi and Skandaraj Navaratnam. Work continues to identify more victims.

Through several investigative techniques and community contacts, police have attempted to identify a deceased man, with no success.

A photograph of the man is being released and anyone who can help identify him is asked to call investigators at 416-808-2021.

Please note, the photograph attached may be disturbing to some people. The Toronto Police Service is encouraging anyone in the community who may be struggling at this time to contact LGBTQ Liaison Officer, Constable Danielle Bottineau, at 416-808-7268, or Victim Services Toronto, at 416-808-7066.



For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Hank Idsinga, Homicide

Police request assistance identifying man

Firearm discharge, Regent Park area, Images released of Persons of Interest and Vehicle of Interest

Firearm discharge, Regent Park area, Images released of Persons of Interest and Vehicle of Interest

Friday, March 2, 2018 - 3:00 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an incident on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at approximately 1 a.m., in the Regent Park area.

It is reported that:

- a group of men approached an apartment building in the Sumach Street just south of Gerrard Street East area

- as the men approached the building, one of the men produced a handgun and fired several shots at another group of men standing nearby

- they all fled the area

- police from 51 Division responded to the call for service but were unable to locate any victims

Investigators are releasing several photographs of Persons of Interest and a Vehicle of Interest.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who may have any information that may assist in identifying anyone involved in this incident, is asked to contact police at 51 Division 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Scott Spratt, 51 Division