Friday, October 21, 2016

Pedestrian Safety Awareness










Pedestrian Safety Awareness

Friday, October 21, 2016 - 12:58 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Pedestrian safety initiatives, delivered by the Toronto Police Service, are designed to promote cooperative safety strategies, with members of our communities, using awareness, education and enforcement. 

Collision analysis has shown that pedestrian fatalities represent approximately 50% of yearly traffic fatalities in Toronto. To date, 35 pedestrians have lost their lives in Toronto this year. Inclement weather and dark conditions can lead to a decrease in visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. 

These environmental factors can increase the risk of injuries when poor walking or driving behaviours are routinely demonstrated.

Pedestrian Safety:

Senior citizens are over-represented in pedestrian fatalities and injuries according to recent safety data. Seniors often get hit within a step or two from the curb, stepping out from behind a parked car, or by being caught out in traffic. While motorists are at fault in many pedestrian collisions, statistics show pedestrians sometimes contribute to the collision by:

- not choosing the safest places to cross
- not paying attention to traffic
- not being aware of the timing of traffic lights and pedestrian walk/don’t walk signals
- underestimating the time needed to cross safely

To reduce injuries, practice these safe walking tips:

- follow the directions of all traffic signs and signals

- be aware of your surroundings, make sure that you can hear what's going on around you

- wear reflective or bright-coloured clothing, when possible, to increase your visibility to other road-users (dress children in reflective or bright-coloured clothes where possible as well)

- always make sure you have a clear view of all vehicles, and make yourself visible to the drivers

- be aware of traffic signals, but never completely rely on them. While in the crosswalk, pedestrians should continue to be alert to oncoming traffic at all times

- always use pedestrian crosswalks to cross the road. Do not cross diagonally or from between parked vehicles (mid-block). Since drivers are not expecting pedestrians to cross mid-block, risk of injury is much higher if you do so

- wait for a fresh traffic signal. Do not start crossing once the countdown or flashing hand begins when possible, make eye contact with the drivers before beginning to cross the road. Drivers must be able to see you, in order to avoid you. Do not assume drivers can see you or that they are paying attention

- if you must walk on the roadway, walk facing traffic and as close to the curb as possible

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Man sought in Assault and Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street East and River Street


Man sought in Assault and Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street East and River Street

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 8:55 AM
51 Division: 416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance identifying a man wanted in an Assault and Sexual Assault investigation in the Dundas Street East and River Street area.

On Monday, October 17, 2016, in the evening, officers were conducting a community patrol when they were asked to attend to an injured woman.

It is reported that:
- a man, driving a white SUV, approached a female sex-trade worker standing on the sidewalk
- she got into the car and was driven to a secluded area
- a violent struggle ensued
- the woman was choked then sexually assaulted
- she was able to escape while the man drove away

The man is described as black, early 40s, bald, clean-shaven. 

Police believe the man to be violent and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Liz Montgomery, Sex Crimes

The Way Forward: Modernizing the Toronto Police Service, Community consultation sessions, New dates and times








The Way Forward: Modernizing the Toronto Police Service, Community consultation sessions, New dates and times

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 7:59 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

The Toronto Police Service continues to consult with the public on the Transformational Task Force Interim Report and its 24 recommendations.

Many have already taken time out of busy day-to-day schedules to attend one of the consultation sessions and provide input that will be used as the Service develops its Final Report.

Many have expressed an interest in attending a consultation session but have been unable to for a variety of reasons. In addition, we have heard that our usual start time of 5 p.m. is too early for most people to attend. As a result, the following sessions have been added or rescheduled.

Please make special note of the details: 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.,
Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, 800 Greenwood Avenue

Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.,
Mother Theresa High School, 40 Sewells Road

Saturday, November 5, 2016, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.,
City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

There is still opportunity to provide your feedback through our online Have Your Say portal. You can provide an email or video message to the Transformational Task Force.

The TTF Interim Report was released on June 17, 2016 and is aimed at developing a modernized police model with a focus on community safety by directing resources to where the public needs them most, embracing partnerships, and concentrating on the complex needs of our large city. For more information about the Transformational Task Force, please contact Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, at 416-808-7095.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.a>.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for the Transformational Task Force

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Toronto Police Service recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month with Duty-to-Report video reminder










Toronto Police Service recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month with Duty-to-Report video reminder

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 1:06 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit: 416-808-0100

October is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Toronto Police Service is launching a new video reminding the public of its duty to report.

In Ontario, the Child & Family Services Act mandates that everyone, not just teachers, doctors or police officers, has a responsibility to report child abuse. 

Click here to watch the video.



Click here to learn more:

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/childrensaid/reportingabuse/index.aspx

The Service will also be participating in an upcoming event with its child protection partners. Follow @October_Is_CAPM and #iBreaktheSilence for details.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Ann-Marie Tupling, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

The Way Forward: Modernizing the Toronto Police Service Community Consultation Session


Media advisory, Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, 800 Greenwood Avenue, The Way Forward: Modernizing the Toronto Police Service Community Consultation Session

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 - 9:59 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

Toronto Police Services Board Chair Andy Pringle and Chief Mark Saunders will be hosting a community consultation session on the modernization of the Toronto Police Service on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, at 800 Greenwood Avenue.

Members of the public are encouraged to read the Transformational Task Force Interim Report, in particular the report's 24 recommendations. The report can be seen here.

The session will include remarks from Chair Pringle and Chief Saunders and break-out tables designed to get the public's input on the future of policing. The consultation session will also be streamed live on Facebook.

Members of the public are also encouraged to submit their thoughts through email or video message by visiting the Have Your Say section of our website.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for the Transformational Task Force