NYC: The message not to fling (cab) doors open without first checking for bicyclists will be hammered home in a video message that will play on all 13,000 Taxi TVs (assuming passengers don’t turn them off first). “Take out a friend,” reads the message on the video. “Take out a date. But don’t take out a cyclist.”
Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Fallen officers remembered - Memorial garden unveiled at 51
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 Just like in 2011, this year’s Run to Remember was personal for 54 Division Const. Robert Alvey.
He was a very close friend of Sgt. Ryan Russell, killed in the line of duty 21 months ago. They attended the same high school, played hockey and poker together and it was Russell who influenced Alvey to join the Service.
The nearly 50 police officers who took part in this year’s three-day run, from the Ontario Police Memorial site near Queen’s Park on Sept. 27 to the Canadian Peace & Police Officers Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sept. 30, wore armbands of the 40 Toronto Police Service officers who have been killed on the job.
Proudly wearing a band on his upper arm bearing Russell’s name, Alvey again dedicated this year’s run to his deceased friend.
“This is the third time I am doing this run, but the last two years I have pushed myself a little harder because of Ryan, who is still in my thoughts,” said Alvey.
“He was there all the way with me through the recruitment process. His death was devastating and real difficult for me to get through.”
Russell’s widow, Christine, took part in the annual run for the first time. She teamed up with wives of fallen officers, including Erin Ochakovsky – her husband, James, a Peel Regional Police officer, died in the line of duty in 2010 -- who founded Survivors of Law Enforcement (SOLE) to offer support to family members of fallen officers.
“I came out last year for the start of the run here and was very inspired,” said Christine Russell.
“I decided to train for this year’s event and I really hope I can make it all the way to Ottawa. I am running with some awesome widows.”
Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association vice-president Charlene Baptist, who worked with Russell for 10 years, wore an armband with Laura Ellis’ name on it. Attached to 42 Division, Ellis was killed in a vehicular accident on her last day with the service in February 2002, before transferring to Durham Regional Police.
“I am now at 42 Division, so it’s quite an honour to represent Laura and all of the other officers who have died on the job,” added the staff sergeant.
“On my first run last year, I witnessed all the emotion as we approached Parliament Hill and I vowed I would be back again to do the run. It’s quite an honour to be part of this.”
S/Insp. Stephen Harris ran on behalf of Det. Michael Irwin, fatally shot in 1972 by a tenant who was facing eviction. Irwin’s partner, Det. Douglas Sinclair, was also killed by the gunman who had a long criminal history.
“I worked with Michael in the early 1970s,” said Harris, who participated in the run for the third year.
“It’s an honour to do this for him and the other officers who have paid the ultimate price with their lives.
“Unfortunately, a lot of us remember our police careers through the fallen officers. That’s the least we can do to honour their memory.”
Deputy Chief Mike Federico was on hand to offer support to Service members and other participants in the 460-kilometre run, started eight years ago.
“While we are recognizing the passing of members who are dearly beloved, we are also celebrating the profession we have all chosen, as peace officers, to keep our communities safe,” said Federico.
“So, in those quiet reflective moments when we are thinking about the people who are being recognized and honoured today, I will also like you to indulge a little bit in the pride and the contribution you make to community safety.”
The National Peace Officers’ Memorial Run (NPOMR) started in 2005 with just 24 Peel Regional Police runners. This year, 244 runners representing 17 law enforcement organizations and colleges participated in the event, expected to raise about $25,000.
Funds accrued from the event go to trust funds established for the families for officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A total of $43,000 has been donated to 13 trust funds, while an additional $42,000 has been set aside to help fund any annual provincial memorial service set up to recognize fallen peace officers in their province.
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Madeline Meilleur and NPOMR chair Insp. Randy Patrick, of Peel Regional Police Service, said the purpose of the run is to remember the officers who have died on the job.
“This is not a race, but a journey and one of remembrance and solidarity,” Patrick noted.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter how far or how fast we run, but why we ran. We are united as one with a single purpose and that is to complete this journey of remembrance together because it’s not about individuals or us. It’s about the officers whose names appear on the wall behind me and on the memorial wall in Ottawa. It’s also about those they have left behind.”
Patrick also welcomed SOLE’s participation and paid tribute to Ontario Provincial Police and memorial run volunteer Sgt. Doug Marshall, who took his own life on the job with his Service weapon last April.
“We are honoured and privileged to have you with us today,” he told the widows.
“I know that, over the next three days, many of the runners will be looking for some additional inspiration as the days and kilometres become longer and longer and they try to complete the next relay. This year, they will only need to look over their shoulders. Seeing you there, and knowing the suffering you have endured and the sacrifices your families have made, will be the only inspiration that they will need. Today, you are our heroes.
“…for many of our heroes, their death was sudden and without warning. Many came face-to-face with their killers. However, there is another danger to officers today and that comes from within. Post-traumatic stress disorder is not sudden, it does come with warning signs and it kills officers across the country.”
Three officers from the Philadelphia Police Department took part in this year’s run. They were Lonnie Claussen, Phil Scratcherd and Les Baker.
“We all do the same job and we are not far away from this event,” said Baker.
“No one has to tell us how important it is for us to come and give our support.”
An hour before the run started, a group of about 100 cyclists started the Ride to Ottawa. A team of officers from Niagara Regional Police rode 154 kilometres to Toronto on Wednesday to join their fellow officers for the first of three legs. The cyclists pedalled approximately 195 kilometres to Belleville on Thursday. They resume on Friday, riding 176 kilometres to Brockville and complete the final 130 kilometres on Saturday.
The Toronto police riders have raised almost $5,000 annually to maintain the memorial.
The run and ride coincides with the annual Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service in Ottawa on Sunday, September 30.
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| Toronto Police Service News Release |  |
City−Wide Smart Walk Initiative
Broadcast time: 05:00 - Thursday, September 27, 2012
54 Division: 416−808−5424
On Thursday, September 27, 2012, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., TPS Divisional traffic officers will be attending intersections across the city, speaking with pedestrians about safety risks while crossing the street and texting/talking on cell phones or listening to music with headphones.
Seven of 17 pedestrian fatalities this year are a result of vehicles turning at intersections.
Police are encouraging pedestrians not to use communication devices while crossing the street.
The media is invited to attend the kick−off at the intersection of Danforth Avenue/Coxwell Avenue at 8:30 a.m.
Available to speak with the media will be a 23−year−old woman who sustained serious injuries when she was struck by a car, crossing mid−block while listening to music on her iPod.
Police will be at the following intersections:
− Kennedy Road and Ellesmere Avenue
− Danforth Avenue and Coxwell Avenue
− Jane Street and Finch Avenue
− Albion Road and Finch Avenue
− Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue
− Don Mills Road and Havenbrook Boulevard
− St. Clair Avenue and Dufferin Street
− Bay Street and Front Street
− King Street and Church Street
− Bloor Street and Islington Avenue
− Humber College Boulevard and Hwy 27
− McCowan Road and Finch Avenue East
− Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue
"Alert today, alive tomorrow," said Sergeant Jack West.
For further information, please contact Sergeant Jack West at 416−808−5424.
Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Jack West, 54 Division
Source
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Online ticket orders available now!! 11012012
Building Bridges Fundraising Gala
November 1, 2012
at the fabulous Daniels Spectrum
at the fabulous Daniels Spectrum
Online ticket ordering at
Help them find their dream.
Help them find their calling.
Help them find their passion.
Help them find their true colours:
Save the date!!! November 1, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Man charged in sexual assault investigation,
Thomas Reardon, 34
Friday, September 21, 2012 - Broadcast time: 09:20
Sex Crimes Unit: 416−808−7474
The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest in a sexual
assault investigation.
See previous release.
On Thursday, September 20, 2012, after 7 p.m., Thomas Reardon, 34, of Toronto, was arrested in the Pickering area. He is charged with:
1. three counts of Sexual Assault
2. three counts Threaten Bodily Harm
3. two counts of Fail to Comply Probation
4. Forcible Confinement
5. Theft Under
He is scheduled to appear in College Park court on Friday, September 21, 2012.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hunter Smith, Sex Crimes Unit
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hunter Smith, Sex Crimes Unit
Friday, September 14, 2012
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Chief William Blair announces results of Summer Safety Initiative,
Crime reduced dramatically across the city
Broadcast time: Friday, September 14, 2012 - 12:04pm
Corporate Communications: 416−808−7100
On Thursday, July 26, 2012, Chief William Blair announced the launch of the Toronto Police Service Summer Safety Initiative (SSI). It involved a significant increase in police presence across the entire city and additional resources for TPS investigative units. The SSI concluded on Sunday, September 9, 2012.
At a news conference at police headquarters on Friday, September 14, 2012, Chief Blair announced the results of the SSI.
For the period of the SSI (July 26, 2012 to September 9, 2012) crime was down significantly in all seven Major Crime Indicators, compared with a seven−year average (2005−2011) for the same time period:
Total homicides: −62.2%. (Shooting homicides: −68.7%)
Sexual assaults: −12.8%
Assaults: −24.4%
Robbery: −17.2%
Break−and−enter: −27.5%
Auto theft: −53.6%
Theft over: −35.7%
Total offences: −28.7%
Some reporters and commentators drew comparisons between this summer and the summer of 2005. For the period of the SSI, crime was down significantly in all gun−crime categories, compared with the same period in 2005:
Total homicides: −78.9%.
Shooting homicides: −86.7%
Shooting occurrences: −57.8%
Shooting victims: −65.2%
Crime was also down significantly in all seven Major Crime Indicators, compared with the same period in 2005:
Sexual assaults: −23.0%
Assaults: −26.4%
Robbery: −17.8%
Break−and−enter: −29.2%
Auto theft: −61.2%
Theft over: −41.5%
Total offences: −32.6%
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications
Source
On Thursday, July 26, 2012, Chief William Blair announced the launch of the Toronto Police Service Summer Safety Initiative (SSI). It involved a significant increase in police presence across the entire city and additional resources for TPS investigative units. The SSI concluded on Sunday, September 9, 2012.
At a news conference at police headquarters on Friday, September 14, 2012, Chief Blair announced the results of the SSI.
For the period of the SSI (July 26, 2012 to September 9, 2012) crime was down significantly in all seven Major Crime Indicators, compared with a seven−year average (2005−2011) for the same time period:
Total homicides: −62.2%. (Shooting homicides: −68.7%)
Sexual assaults: −12.8%
Assaults: −24.4%
Robbery: −17.2%
Break−and−enter: −27.5%
Auto theft: −53.6%
Theft over: −35.7%
Total offences: −28.7%
Some reporters and commentators drew comparisons between this summer and the summer of 2005. For the period of the SSI, crime was down significantly in all gun−crime categories, compared with the same period in 2005:
Total homicides: −78.9%.
Shooting homicides: −86.7%
Shooting occurrences: −57.8%
Shooting victims: −65.2%
Crime was also down significantly in all seven Major Crime Indicators, compared with the same period in 2005:
Sexual assaults: −23.0%
Assaults: −26.4%
Robbery: −17.8%
Break−and−enter: −29.2%
Auto theft: −61.2%
Theft over: −41.5%
Total offences: −32.6%
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications
Source
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted in sexual assault investigation, Thomas Reardon, 34
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted in sexual assault investigation, Thomas Reardon, 34, Photograph of suspect released
Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 4:20 PM
51 Division: 416-808-7474
The Toronto Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance locating a man wanted in a sexual assault investigation.
It is alleged that:
- on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 2 p.m., the man approached an 18-year-old woman in the Yonge Street/Wellesley Street West area
- the man befriended and engaged the woman in conversation
- the woman was taken to a nearby apartment building where the man sexually assaulted her
It is further alleged that:
- on Friday, August 24, 2012, at 3 a.m., the man approached a 40-year-old woman in the Dundas Street East/Parliament Street area
- the woman was taken by the man to the rear of a nearby commercial establishment
- the man sexually assaulted her
See previous release
It is also alleged that:
- on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at 2 a.m., the man approached a 26-year-old woman in the Yonge Street/Gloucester Street area
- the woman was taken to a nearby apartment building and sexually assaulted.
Thomas Reardon, 34, of Toronto, is wanted for:
1) three counts of sexual assault
The suspect is described as white, 5'9", 190 lbs., blond mohawk-style hair with blue eyes. He is known to ride a bicycle.
Police believe there may be more victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Roger Villaflor, Sex Crimes Unit
ID: 24478
An attachment to this release is available on the TPS website.
Source
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Roger Villaflor, Sex Crimes Unit
ID: 24478
An attachment to this release is available on the TPS website.
Source
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Gardiner Expressway closed this weekend for fall maintenance
City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================
News Release: September 12, 2012
Gardiner Expressway closed this weekend for fall maintenance
The City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division will be performing maintenance activities on the Gardiner Expressway this weekend. A full closure of the expressway is required to ensure the work can be performed safely.
The expressway will be closed in both directions from Carlaw Avenue to the Humber River from 2 a.m. on Saturday, September 15 to 5 a.m. on Monday, September 17.
"The Gardiner Expressway is a key component of our transportation system in Toronto and this maintenance work is necessary to keep the roadway in a state of good repair," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.
Specific activities that will be undertaken during this closure include:
Ø catchbasin cleaning to ensure proper drainage at about 800 locations
Ø pavement markings involving a total of about 1,100 square metres of pavement
Ø maintenance of five static signs
Ø maintenance of closed-circuit television involving six traffic cameras
Ø inspection of 19 overhead signs
Ø repair of RESCU (traffic management system) vehicle detectors at four locations
guide rail repair for a total length of about 700 metres
guide rail repair for a total length of about 700 metres
Ø sweeping operations and litter removal
Ø site investigation for two proposed variable messages signs
Ø structural inspections at eight locations of the elevated portions of the expressway
Ø structural rehabilitation work on the expressway from York Street to Jarvis Street
Ø replacement of nine light poles
Motorists can use Lake Shore Boulevard, The Queensway, Richmond Street, Adelaide Street, King Street and Queen Street as alternative routes during the closure. Motorists should be aware that two lanes of Richmond Street will be used for film production west of University Avenue from 7 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 16.
Whenever possible, the public is encouraged to consider using public transit as a convenient alternative.
A more complete list of road work and events is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.
In addition, the City recently introduced T.O. INview, a map of information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city. The site can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Media contact: Steve Johnston, Senior Communications Coordinator, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sexual Assault Alert, Gould Street/Bond Street
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Sexual Assault Alert,
Gould Street/Bond Street
Gould Street/Bond Street
Broadcast time: 15:15 - Monday, September 10, 2012
51 Division: 416-808-7474
The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation and is
requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man.
It is alleged that:
- on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at approximately 8 a.m., a 35-year-old woman was walking eastbound on Gould Street near Bond Street when she was approached from behind by a man
- the man grabbed the woman and sexually assaulted her
- she screamed and the man fled northbound through a courtyard.
The man is described as black, approximately 20, 6', and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and grey sweat pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World..
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Wendy Kohout, Sex Crimes Unit
ID: 24478
51 Division: 416-808-7474
The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation and is
requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man.
It is alleged that:
- on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at approximately 8 a.m., a 35-year-old woman was walking eastbound on Gould Street near Bond Street when she was approached from behind by a man
- the man grabbed the woman and sexually assaulted her
- she screamed and the man fled northbound through a courtyard.
The man is described as black, approximately 20, 6', and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and grey sweat pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World..
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Wendy Kohout, Sex Crimes Unit
ID: 24478
Friday, September 07, 2012
SAVE THE DATE - 4th Annual Building Bridges Scholarship Gala
Mark Thursday November 1, 2012
in your calendar!!!
in your calendar!!!
This fundraising initiative is an opportunity for us to work towards our goal of providing bridging scholarships for at-risk urban youth to attend George Brown College with guidance from such community partners as Pathways to Education and the Regent Park Community Health Centre, as well as support for various youth programs in 51 Division.
We are honoured to have George Brown College as our co-presenter of the evening's fashion and art show again this year.
Our goal is that our annual Building Bridges Gala surpasses the tremendous success of our earlier fundraisers, exceeding all expectations. We hope that we can count on your support to help us achieve that goal.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Toronto Police Service 9−1−1 Video and Poster contest
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Toronto Police Service 9−1−1 Video and Poster contest
Broadcast time: 11:52 Thursday, September 6, 2012
Communications Services: 416−808−8899
Calling all Toronto residents, 10–24. Have you ever wanted to create your very own short Public Service Announcement (PSA) video? Maybe drawing or graphic arts is more your thing and you’d rather make a PSA poster? Never had a topic to work with? Well, how about this:
Do you:
− know when to call 9−1−1?
− know the difference between an emergency and a non−emergency situation?
− know the TPS non−emergency telephone number?
− have a message about misuse or abuse of 9−1−1?
− want to educate the public on how to avoid pocket dials to 9−1−1?
Would you like to share your knowledge with the citizens of Toronto? If you answered, "yes," then our contest may be just what you're looking for.
The contest opens Sunday, September 9, 2012, and closes Friday, November 9, 2012. The winning selections could become the official Public Service Announcement of the Toronto Police Service and your entry could be shown on the internet as of Monday, December 10, 2012.
The official contest trailer:
Visit https://www.torontopolice.on.ca/911contest for details.
Click here for previous Toronto Police Service 9−1−1 public service announcements.
For further information, contact Tracy Finn, at tracy.finn@torontopolice.on.ca or by calling 416−808−8899.
Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Tracy Finn, Communications Services
ID: 24428
SOURCE
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Sexual Assault Alert, Church Street/Gerrard Street East area
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Sexual Assault Alert, Church Street/Gerrard Street East area, Man wanted, Security camera images of man released
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 - 11:41 AM
Sex Crimes Unit: 416-808-7474
The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation and requesting the public's assistance identifying a man.
It is alleged that:
- on Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at approximately 6:30 a.m., a 20-year-woman was walking in the Church Street/Gerrard Street East area
- a man followed the woman to Mutual Street, south of Gould Street, where he sexually assaulted her
- the man fled when the victim screamed
- as the woman continued southbound on Mutual Street, the man sexually assaulted her a second time, just north of Queen Street East
- the woman was able to fight off the man, who fled the scene
The man is described as black, with a dark complexion, in his 20s, between 5'8" and 6', with a medium build, with shaved or short hair. He was wearing a black zip-up hoodie with white block letters across the chest, grey track pants, and distinctive prescription glasses with frameless lenses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Wendy Kahout, Sex Crimes
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted in sexual assault investigation
| Toronto Police Service News Release | |
Multiple sexual assault suspect urged to surrender to police,
Thomas Reardon, 34
Broadcast time: 10:48 Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Sex Crimes Unit: 416−808−7474
On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at 1 p.m., at police headquarters, in the media gallery, Sex Crimes Unit Detective Constable Sandra Arruda will be urging Thomas Reardon, 34, the suspect in multiple sexual assault investigations, to surrender to police.
It is alleged that:
− on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 2 p.m., the man approached an 18−year−old woman in the Yonge Street/Wellesley Street West area
− on Friday, August 24, 2012, at 3 a.m., the man approached a 40−year−old woman in the Dundas Street East/Parliament Street area
− on Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at 2 a.m., the man approached a 26−year−old woman in the Yonge Street/Gloucester Street area
See previous release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Sandra Arruda, Sex Crimes
Source