Friday, December 30, 2016

News Years Eve celebration, Saturday, December 31, 2016, Nathan Philips Square


News Years Eve celebration, Saturday, December 31, 2016, Nathan Philips Square

Friday, December 30, 2016 - 5:00 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5048

On Saturday, December 31, 2016, the City of Toronto will be hosting a New Year's Eve celebration atNathan Phillips Square.

The events start with a skating party from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.. There will also be live music on stage from 8 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.. At midnight, the event will conclude with a pyrotechnic show from the towers at City Hall.

Road closures will be in effect from 5:30 p.m. on December 31, 2016, to 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2017, for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

- Queen Street West from Yonge Street to University Avenue

- Bay Street from Richmond Street West to Dundas Street West

- York Street from Richmond Street West to Queen Street West

- Hagerman Street from Elizabeth Street to Bay Street

- Elizabeth Street from Foster Place to Hagerman Street

- Albert Street from Bay Street to James Street

- James Street from Queen Street West to Albert Street

The 501 Queen Street streetcar will be diverted to King Street between Spadina Road and Church Street.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and consider alternate routes.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Brenda Vukicevich, Special Events

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Homicide #69/2016, Michael Jacobson, 48


Homicide #69/2016, Michael Jacobson, 48

Sunday, December 25, 2016 - 6:06 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Saturday, December 24, 2016, at 2:20 p.m., police were called to 200 Sherbourne Street in regard to a stabbing.

A man was located and transported via emergency run to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He has been identified as Michael Jacobson, 48.

Police would like to speak with anyone who had contact with the man after 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, December 24, 2016, or anyone with any information related to this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, 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.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Jeff Allington, Homicide

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Media advisory, Monday, December 19, 2016, Roadside drug-screening devices


Media advisory, Monday, December 19, 2016, Roadside drug-screening devices

Sunday, December 18, 2016 - 6:14 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service will be participating in a pilot project to test the use of roadside screening devices for drug-impaired driving. The pilot project will begin on Monday, December 19, 2016, and will continue through to the spring of 2017. The devices will be deployed by Traffic Services offices to gather pilot-project test data.

The devices selected for use in this project are the Alere DDS 2® and the Securetec DrugWipe 5S®.

The pilot project will test how well officers are able to use certain roadside drug-testing devices on motorists, under different weather conditions, (for example, cold, rain, snow) and at night.

The project will document the experiences and feedback from officers participating in the project and assist in the development of procedures and practices for the use of oral-fluid screening devices in Canada.

Before the Toronto Police Service can begin using the devices in actual enforcement situations, there would need to be legislative changes to allow roadside drug screening to become part of the drug-impaired-driving regime. None of these devices has been approved for use in the field to aid in the formation of grounds to lay any type of charges. Further, none of these devices has been validated as police equipment. 

If a driver shows no sign of impairment, they are eligible to volunteer. If they do volunteer, and they test positive for the presence of drugs, no further criminal or administrative procedures would be pursued (i.e., no charges would be laid). 

Any samples gathered during pilot testing will never be used as evidence for the prosecution of either a criminal or administrative offence.

Participation in this project is anonymous and voluntary. Information forms will be provided to each participant for each swab taken and will be identified by a number which cannot be linked back to any personal or identifiable information.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Thursday, December 15, 2016

2016-2017 Toronto Police Service Winter Driving Campaign, Collision Reporting Centre information and winter-driving tips


2016-2017 Toronto Police Service Winter Driving Campaign, Collision Reporting Centre information and winter-driving tips

Thursday, December 15, 2016 - 11:35 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Traffic safety continues to be identified as a Service priority. The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the impending change of road conditions as a result of the winter storm moving into the city. The Service would like to offer drivers some winter-driving tips to make your commute safer.

"Winter is approaching, whether we like it or not. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. You need to plan ahead, adjust your speed and be prepared for a sudden change in traffic flows or road conditions. These simple changes to your driving behaviour could prevent a tragedy from occurring and get you home safely to your family," said Superintendent Gord Jones of TPS Traffic Services.

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers of the Collision Reporting Centres in the City of Toronto.

There are two Toronto Centres to serve you:

North Collision Reporting Centre: 113 Toryork Drive, North York
(416) 808-2222
Open seven days a week all year, 6 a.m. to midnight

Est Collision Reporting Centre: 39 Howden Road, Scarborough
(416) 808-2222
Open seven days a week all year, 6 a.m. to midnight

If you are involved in a collision, "Steer It, Clear It"

When to "Steer It, Clear It":• if there is only minor damage and the vehicle is driveable
• there are no injuries
• there is not significant debris on the roadway

Why "Steer It Clear It":• reduces the likelihood of a secondary collision and potential for injury by 20%
• reduces the length of time that a collision remains on the road by up to 65%
• reduces congestion, fuel consumption and the impact on the environment

What you should do:• remove vehicle from the travel lanes
• get name, phone number, driver licence the and insurance information, make, model and year of vehicle
• go to one of the of the two Collision Reporting Centres in Toronto within 24 hours

Create a driver's emergency kit. Your kit should include winter gloves, booster cables, shovel, container of windshield washer, first-aid kit, flashlight, snow brush, candles, safety vest, water bottles and granola bars or non-perishable high-energy foods. Put the kit in the trunk of your car.

Check weather and road conditions often- choosing the route ahead of time will help you be prepared and will ensure you know what to expect before you head out on the road.

Keep a safe distance behind snow plows- if you find yourself behind a snow plow, remember, the plows are there to help clear the snow and improve road conditions for you. By maintaining a safe distance, you ensure there is enough time for you to react to any change in traffic flows. Snow-clearing operations can create clouds of snow that can substantially reduce your visibility.

Slow down and give yourself extra travel time- drive according to the road and weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for a clear and dry day, not a snowy day.

Clear snow and ice from your vehicle- make sure you clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for any fogged windows to clear so your visibility isn’t reduced and you are able to operate your vehicle safely.

Wear comfortable clothes- it's a good idea to layer up in the winter time, but having too many layers can restrict your movement and make it difficult to check your blind spot or operate your motor vehicle safely. Oversized boots could cause your feet to become stuck by the accelerator or brake pedals.

Keep a full gas tank- quite often, drivers are commuting to and from Toronto with minimal amounts of fuel in their vehicles. Drivers who run their vehicles out of gas cause further traffic delays and also place themselves in danger when the vehicle has come to a stop in live lanes of traffic.

Keep emergency numbers handy and travel with a fully charged cellphone- the non-emergency number for the Toronto Police Service is 416-808-2222. For provincial highway conditions, go to www.ontario.ca/511 or call 511.

Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads- it's easy to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather if you use cruise control. 

Figure out the best way to recover from a skid for your vehicle- how your vehicle responds to a skid depends on whether it has rear-wheel, front-wheel or four-wheel drive. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), learn how to use it correctly.

The technology in your vehicle is advanced- driver behaviour in some cases can exceed the capability of your vehicle's safety systems and road conditions. Slow down and give yourself extra space and time to react in case something occurs.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at: Twitter

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

“Shop Smart, Park Properly,” Campaign for safe and accessible parking, Wednesday, December 14, 2016 to Sunday, December 18, 2016



“Shop Smart, Park Properly,” Campaign for safe and accessible parking, Wednesday, December 14, 2016 to Sunday, December 18, 2016

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 - 9:15 AM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service is committed to assisting those with accessibility issues in the community, and fostering a safe and clear path for emergency services in highly congested mall areas at all times, especially during the busy holiday season. 

From Wednesday, December 14, 2016, to Sunday, December 18, 2016, the Parking Enforcement Unit will be launching a heightened enforcement campaign entitled “Shop Smart, Park Properly.” The campaign will focus on the enforcement of accessible parking spaces, the misuse of accessible parking permits, the detection and retention of counterfeit accessible parking permits, as well as the enforcement of critical safety zones around malls. 

Malls in the city where significant problems have been identified for the misuse of accessible permits and obstructed fire routes/safety zone will be included in the directed patrols. 

The city has significantly increased fines for parking in accessible parking spaces without a permit to $450, and $250 for fire routes. This is in an effort to stress the importance of ensuring these areas are kept clear for people with accessible parking permits and for emergency service vehicles. 

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit would like to remind the public to be courteous and keep accessible parking and emergency fire routes clear and available at all times. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-6600, 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 media wishing to take part in ride-alongs, please contact Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement, at 416-808-1612 or brian.moniz@torontopolice.on.ca.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for David Armstrong, Parking Enforcement West

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Police request assistance with Theft Under $5,000 investigation, Church Street and Shuter Street area, Images of suspect released


Police request assistance with Theft Under $5,000 investigation, Church Street and Shuter Street area, Images of suspect released

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 5:45 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with identifying a man involved in a Theft Under $5,000 investigation, in the Church Street and Shuter Street area.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at approximately 12 p.m., a man entered St. Michael's Cathedral, during Sunday Mass and sat in a pew

- during communion, the unidentified man stole a 79-year-old man's briefcase

- the briefcase contained a quantity of cash and personal belongings

The man is described as 20-30 years old, 5'10", 150 lbs., light complexion, a shaved head with noticeable patches of dry skin or alopecia. At the time of the offence he was wearing a red winter parka with a fur-lined hood, light-coloured high-cuffed pants, and dark shoes with light-coloured soles.

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.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Matthew Scarlino, 51 Division


Security camera image of man wanted in Theft Under $5,000 investigation

Security camera image of man wanted in Theft Under $5,000 investigation

Tuesday, December 06, 2016

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada


Media advisory, Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 10 a.m., Headquarters, lobby, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - 4:59 AM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0104

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the community that Tuesday, December 6, 2016, is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. It was established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada. It marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at L’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal. They died because they were women.

We, as a community, can take this time to consider concrete action to eliminate all forms of violence against women.

Please join us on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 10 a.m., in the lobby of police headquarters. 

The Toronto Police Service will be hosting a news conference, during which we will be speaking about our 16 days of activism on violence against women. We will also be announcing an upcoming event to bring awareness and education to the public.

Deputy Chief Mike Federico and Victim Services Toronto Director Bonnie Levine will be two of the speakers.

A special tribute will be paid to all women who have been living with, or may have died as a result of, gender-based violence.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Ann-Marie Tupling, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Monday, December 05, 2016

Sexual Assault investigation, River Street and Dundas Street East, Update, Address correction


Sexual Assault investigation, River Street and Dundas Street East, Update, Address correction

Monday, December 5, 2016 - 11:19 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a man arrested in a Sexual Assault investigation. 

It is alleged that:

- on Monday, October 17, 2016, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a man was working as a photographer and set up a photo shoot with a woman, 21, at her home in the River Street and Dundas Street East area.

Click here for original release.

The original release indicated that the offence occurred in the Lake Shore Boulevard West and Spadina Avenue area.

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.

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 Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Adrian Piccolo, 51 Division

Rise in fatal collisions highest since 2002, Toronto Police Service releases PSA video #BeAlertBeSeen


Rise in fatal collisions highest since 2002, Toronto Police Service releases PSA video #BeAlertBeSeen

Monday, December 5, 2016 - 10:06 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Traffic safety continues to be identified as a Service priority, with an increased focus on pedestrian safety, especially seniors.

Collision analysis has shown that pedestrian fatalities represent approximately 60% of yearly traffic fatalities within Toronto. A total of 41 pedestrians have lost their lives this year. This represents over 55% of the total of all traffic fatalities in Toronto in 2016. Seniors, in particular, are among the most vulnerable road-users. To date, there have been 27 senior pedestrian fatalities, representing over 65% of pedestrian fatalities.

Toronto Police Service Traffic Services has released a new Public Safety Announcement video. 

The #BeAlertBeSeen video offers suggestions to road-users on what they can do to make their commute a safe one:

- always be aware of your surroundings
- cross at designated locations
- look both ways
- never assume that drivers can see you, or are aware of your intent

The next time you cross the road, take a second to stop, *look*, listen, and think. That could save your life.

The video can be viewed on YouTube:  



"Some simple changes to your road-using behaviour could prevent a tragedy from occurring and get you home, safely, to your family," said Superintendent Gord Jones of TPS Traffic Services

The message is clear: all road-users need to do their job while crossing the street, driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle. Each group must focus on the task of moving through traffic safely, by being aware of your surroundings. Collisions can be prevented. Through continued vigilance, fatalities can be reduced. 

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Saturday, December 03, 2016

Sexual Assault Alert, Man arrested


Sexual Assault Alert, Man arrested

Saturday, December 3, 2016 - 11:42 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a man arrested in a Sexual Assault investigation. 

It is alleged that:

- on Monday, October 17, 2016, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a man was working as a photographer and set up a photo shoot with a woman, 21, at her home in the Lake Shore Boulevard West and Spadina Avenuearea.

- during the photo shoot, the woman was sexually assaulted

Guido Di Salle, 37, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Sexual Assault 

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Monday, January 9, 2017.

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.

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 Craig Brister, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Adrian Piccolo, 51 Division