84th edition February 2013-draft bulletin...2013/01/29 · 33 Division Community Bulletin February...

33 Division Community Bulletin February 2013 – 84th Edition

33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 [email protected] 1 “Please feel free to distribute”

TORONTO

P O L I C E SERVICE

50 Upjohn Road 33 DIVISION

Unit Commander: Staff Inspector Tony Riviere 2nd in Command: Inspector Richard Hegedus Investigative Unit: Detective Sergeant Jim Gotell Community Response Unit: Staff Sergeant Shawna Coxon Crime Prevention & Community Relations Officer: Kelly Downie TOTAL STRENGTH Officers: 184 Civilians: 10 Auxiliary Officers: 24 Volunteers: 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Unit Commander’s Message ............. 2 Community Response Unit ............... 3 Community Outreach ....................... 5 Arrest of the Month ........................... 7 Crime Prevention Tips ..................... 8 Traffic Safety Tips ............................ 9 Traffic Campaigns ............................. 12 The Insurer’s Policies ........................ 13 From the Front Desk ......................... 15 Community Calendar ........................ 16 Upcoming Events ............................. 16



Valuing Diversity The month of February is widely recognized as Black History Month, but what does that really mean… Certainly, it is an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions and legacies of people of African descent, both past and present, but more generally, it is an occasion to celebrate the significance and overall prosperity that our varied cultures have had collectively on our city. Toronto is an ever evolving mosaic of people and cultures, with an estimated 55% of its residents identified as belonging to a ‘minority’ group. As a Police Service we recognize the importance of drawing upon the inherent strength found within our cultures in assisting in the promotion of our safety and security. We do so by ensuring that we are reflective of our serving communities, recognizing that our decisions and strategies are more sound when they include the varied perspectives of those it impacts. We are aware that our service is more enhanced when delivered by a member that our residents can identify with. It is for these reasons that we actively seek and welcome occasions to develop relationships with our diverse communities, and seize every opportunity to demonstrate ourselves as an employer of choice. Today, we proudly boast members who possess the many cultural competencies of our city. These members exist at every rank within our Service and throughout our many varied units. We remain committed to creating and maintaining a harmonious working environment for all. Our focus is not only internal, we understand the value of forging meaningful relationships with our diverse communities and ensuring that our CPLCs, Consultative Committees and volunteers are appropriately represented; creating an environment whereby our residents feel confident in reporting crime and assisting in the investigating and prosecuting of cases. As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the vital role that diversity plays in our success, we are particularly mindful of the contributions Blacks have and continue to make to the effectiveness of our Service and the success of our city. It is recognized that our envious position as one of the safest cities in North America is largely attributable to the relationships we have nurtured with our diverse communities throughout the years; particularly those with our Black communities.

A message from . . . Staff Inspector Tony Riviere



We’re full swing into the New Year is upon us and the community response unit is busy at work with another ‘Adopt a Neighbourhood’ initiative. Our dedicated community officers, Auxiliary officers and Youth in Policing Students attended the Cloisters on the Don on January 19th and spoke to 90 families about how best to improve their neighbourhood. This valuable feedback will be used to bring about positive change. Special thanks to neighbourhood officer Paul Frias for putting this together.

Welcome to our new Youth in Policing (YIPI) students! 33 Division has four students who are working with us until April. We are excited to have them join our police family for the next few months.



We’re in the middle of extreme cold weather. Bundle up, be prepared if your car breaks down, drive with care and look out of each other.

Shawna Coxon Staff Sergeant 7551 Toronto Police Service 33 Division, Community Response Unit 50 Upjohn Road, Toronto, ON M3B 2W1 (416) 808-3392 For links to Twitter, Facebook etc. click here:

The social media beat goes on! 33 Division continues to ‘tweet the beat’. You can learn about what we’re doing and gain valuable information such as what crimes are occurring in your neighbourhood or crime prevention tips. Check us out on Twitter @33matters or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TPS33. Speaking of social media…you will see that our new Twitter and Facebook photo has our Unit Commander, Inspector and Community Response Officers. Whether it’s in person or on social media, Come visit us anytime!



BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black History Month provides an opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions and achievements of peoples of African ancestry. February is commonly recognized as Black History Month. In Canada, official recognition first came in the early 1950's when the Canadian Negro Women's Association successfully petitioned Toronto City Council to acknowledge Black History. This initial acceptance faded over the years. It was not until the late 1970's that the Council, after lobbying by the newly formed Ontario Black History Society, followed the example of the United States and declared that henceforth February would be known as Black History Month.

(CHECK YOUR ANSWERS IN THE

MARCH BULLETIN)

1. Who were recognized as the first African Canadian Law Enforcement Officers? Both male and female.

2. Who was the first black woman to be elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario?

3. Who said these words “I have a dream…”

4. What is Malcolm X’s birth name? Where was he born?

5. What was the Underground Railroad? What was its impact?

6. Who was Beverly Salmon?

7. Who was the first black National Hockey League player? What team did he play for?

8. Who became the first black female television host? In what year did this happen?

9. Who was the star of the network television show “I spy”? What year was that?

10. Which black woman won the title of Miss America in 1984?

11. Who invented the blood bank?

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ?



WHO ARE WE? LOOK FOR ANSWERS IN THE MARCH EDITION OF THE COMMUNITY BULLETIN



AARRRREESSTT OOFF TTHHEE MMOONNTTHH::

A resident of the Leslie Street and Finch Avenue East area was at home one day when her doorbell rang. She

decided not to answer the door and after a short while the person walked away, however, a few moments later

she heard someone banging on her back door. Believing that her home was being broken into, she called 911

asked for police. Looking out her windows, the resident saw the person she thought was trying to break into

her home leave and join two other youths on the street and they were walked away. Officers from 33 Division

arrived at the house and met with the resident who described the people she thought was breaking into her

home and then pointed them out to the officers as they were walking away down the street.

When the officers approached these three youths they ran from police and police officers chased them

on foot. Two of the youths got away from police, however, a police dog was called and was able to track the

two youths to a house nearby where they were found to be hiding on the property and they were both arrested.

While this was going on the third youth also ran away from police in another direction, however,

officers caught up with him and arrested him.

All three youths were brought to 33 Division where they were investigated and charged with the

following:

Attempted Break and Enter. Possession of Burglar tools. Fail/Refuse to comply with Conditions of Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Breaking and entering into residential homes continues to be a problem confronting the residents of 33



CRIME PREVENTION TIPS: Cybercriminals increasingly use online banking fraud automation techniques to defraud you! Despite all the hype concerning impenetrable security systems, we have learned, much to our detriment, that no such systems exist. The inescapable fact remains; you are your own best protection while conducting financial transactions on the internet. So it’s important that you learn about, and take advantage of, security features offered by your financial institution.

Never share your Online Banking password with anyone.

Change your passwords often and make them difficult combinations but easy for you to remember.

Never walk away from your computer without properly signing out from Online Banking and closing your browser.

If you are using a computer other than your own, always end your banking session and close the browser.

Before entering personal information on a website, look for the "lock" icon in your browser. A closed lock or padlock indicates that the website you are on is secure.

Installing anti-virus and firewall software can be an effective way to protect your computer from malicious attacks.

You should download and install security updates regularly or configure your operating system to automatically check for new updates.

When you're traveling, always use a trusted computer whenever possible.

Clear the browser's cache. The cache maintains a copy of web pages that have been viewed recently. (also known as Cookies or History)

Watch the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/F7pYHN9iC9I?rel=0 Kelly Downie

Crime Prevention Officer 33 Division



VISITORS & NEW RESIDENTS

A GUIDE TO DRIVING LEGALLY IN ONTARIO Every year millions of people come to Ontario to live, work and play. For most of them driving

is an essential element of their stay.

Regardless of the rules in their home jurisdictions, the Ministry of Transportation has a few basic requirements that need to be followed in order to drive legally in the province.

First and foremost you need to be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s licence from your home province, state or country. It seems redundant to mention this but there are a number of provinces and U.S. states where

you can get a learner’s permit at the ripe old age of 14 years.

If you are visiting Ontario for less than three months you can use your valid driver’s licence from your home province, state or country as usual.

If you are visiting from another country for more than three months you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from your home country. The IDP combined with your own valid driver’s licence is sufficient to allow you to drive in the province. You must have the IDP with you when you arrive in Ontario; you cannot apply for one once you are here.

When you move to Ontario, you can use a valid licence from another province, state

or country for up to 60 days. Beyond that, you need to switch to an Ontario driver’s licence.

To get a full licence you need to meet certain requirements. The process depends on how long you have been driving and where you were licenced before.



EXCHANGING YOUR LICENCE FOR AN ONTARIO LICENCE

You can exchange an out-of-province licence for an Ontario one if you are re-locating from:

Any Canadian province or territory. Canadian Forces Europe. U.S. states. Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man,

Northern Ireland, Korea, Switzerland.

You cannot exchange:

A driver’s licence from a country that does not have an exchange agreement in place with Ontario (it is not listed in the section above),

Or a learner’s permit or novice-class driver’s licence from another province, state or country.

You might still be able to fast-track and get credit for previous driving experience but you need to provide the right documents when you apply for an Ontario driver’s licence. You can self-declare one year of driving experience by showing a valid original foreign driver’s licence. If you want to earn credit for more than one year you will also need an official letter from the foreign government or agency that issued the driver’s licence, confirming its authenticity. The letter must be written in English or French only and you will need to apply in person at a DriveTest centre. At this time you will also be required to:

Take an eye test. Bring original identification showing your legal name, date of birth and signature. Bring your original, valid out-of-province/foreign driver’s licence which displays a

visible expiry date and must be written in English or French (if not, you need to get it translated by a certified translator. The translation must be current – dated within six months of when you apply for an Ontario licence).

Bring any supporting documents that show proof of your driving experience. Pay the applicable fees. Fill out an application form (where you will state how long you have been

driving).

If you have at least two years of driving experience when you apply for the exchange, you need only take an eye test. After you pass this test you will get a full licence.

If you have less than two years of driving experience when you apply for the exchange you will need to take the eye test and a G2 road test. The G2 road test cannot be booked right away; it will be administered once you have reached the two year mark in driving experience. For example, if you have been driving in your home province, state or exchange-approved country for 11 months, then you must wait 13 months for the G2 road test. Until then you will be issued and bound by the restrictions of a G1 licence.



ACQUIRING AN ONTARIO LICENCE WITHOUT EXCHANGE PROVISIONS

If you are applying for an Ontario licence and you have come from a country which does not have an exchange agreement there is a bit more involved.

If you have at least two years driving experience you will have to take an eye test and a written test about the rules of the road and traffic signs. After passing these, you will be given a G2 road test. You can book the test right away and once you pass, you get a full licence.

If you have less than two years driving experience you must take the same eye and written tests but in addition, two road tests (G1 and G2).

You can book the G1 road test once you pass the eye and written tests. When you pass the G1 road test you must wait until you’ve accumulated one full year of driving experience before you can take the G2 road test. For example, if you have had your foreign licence for eight months, you can take your G2 road test after four months in Ontario. After you pass the G2 road test you get a full licence. While you wait for your G2 test you are issued and bound by the restrictions and conditions of a G1 licence.

For more info regarding the driving requirements surrounding visits and moves to Ontario, you can check out the MTO website or visit a DriveTest or ServiceOntario centre. And while you’re browsing or standing in line, ask yourself this question:

Traffic safety: Are you the problem or the solution?

Howard Rosenberg Traffic Complaints

If you have a traffic-related question, send an email to me at [email protected]

and I will gladly send you the answer. Some questions may even appear in a future edition of the 33 Division Community Bulletin.



TRAFFIC CAMPAIGNS:

2013 DIVISIONAL INITIATIVES JANUARY 1ST TO DECEMBER 31ST - OPERATION C.P.R. (COLLISION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION) TOP 5 COLLSION INTERSECTIONS AS DETERMINED BY 2012 STATS JANUARY 1ST TO MARCH 31ST – OPERATION SAFE WINTER DRIVING FOCUS ON SMART AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER THROUGH EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT APRIL 1ST TO JUNE 30TH – OPERATION HANDS ON DRIVE HANDS FREE TALK TARGETTING DISTRACTED DRIVING (I.E. PHONES, IPAD, OTHER DEVICES OR DISTRACTIONS) JULY 1ST TO SEPT 30TH - OPERATION WALK SAFE FOCUS ON PEDESTRIAN ON ROAD SAFETY WHEN CROSSING AND INTERACTING WITH VEHICULAR TRAFFIC THROUGH EDUCATION/ENFORCEMENT. EMPHASIS WILL BE ON SENIORS. Terri Ng Detective #5665 33 Division Unit Complaint Co-ordinator Traffic Sergeant Phone: (416)-808-3308 Email: [email protected]



Defences Your Insurer Can Use If You’re Accused of Negligence.

With the weather well below freezing, it is quite easy for people to slip and fall on water that has become ice. More and more, the individual who has been harmed turns to the law for recourse. If you wake up one morning and find yourself served a notice of claim, you must promptly inform your insurer (auto if it was due to an auto accident, property if it is in relation to your property).

There are a number of ways that an accused may go about defending a cause of action. He may deny that they committed an act, deny that the act was negligent or deny that the plaintiff was injured. A defendant would have to prove that there was no negligent conduct, even when there has been compliance with applicable statutes. For example, if a party were to allege a slip and fall on another person's property, the defendant could deny that the incident occurred at all. Or they could deny that they were negligent and that the property was free of any ice, snow or any other items that may increase the likelihood of an incident occurring. They could also deny that although the incident did occur, the plaintiff suffered no damages as they were not in need of medical attention, nor did they suffer any financial consequences of the fall.

The defendant can also use a remoteness of damage defense (novus actus interveniens). They

must prove that their actions were not the proximate cause of the injuries or damages. The defendant must be able to show that there was an intervening act that broke the causal chain between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s injury. For example Party A strikes Party B. While being transported to the hospital, the ambulance is involved in an accident and Party B suffers further injury. Party A will likely be relieved of liability to Party B for the injuries caused by the auto accident.

A defendant can also use the inevitable accident defense. In this circumstance the defendant attempts to prove that the cause and result of the accident were inevitable, and the damages

The Insurer’s Policies By Avi Singh, R.I.B.O.



occurred from an outside cause which the defendant could not control. This defense isn’t used very often; typically a defendant would just deny that they were negligent. An example of this defense being used successfully can be found in a case called Ryan v. Youngs. Mr. Youngs suffered a heart attack while operating a vehicle and consequently struck Mr. Ryan. Mr. Youngs’ history revealed nothing out of the ordinary and there was no way for him to foresee that he would have had a heart attack that day. The court would eventually rule in Mr. Youngs’ favour.

These are defences that your insurer will explore for you if your coverage applies. However the best defence is always prevention. So take care to avoid accidents on the road, and keep your sidewalks, driveway, and walkways clear of snow and ice. It’s better for no one to ever perceive they were injured at your hands than have to defend what happened.

If you have a question that you would like Avi to answer in an upcoming article, please e-mail him at [email protected] and he will be glad to address it.

Avi Singh is a Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker & Commercial Lines specialist, practicing in Woodbridge, Ontario. He has been involved in the industry since the mid ‘90’s, currently specializing in commercial risks.



From the Front Desk! Imagine that it’s Christmas Eve and you’re with your spouse, your young children and various members of your extended family. You are home and want to have an adult Christmas celebration drink but you choose to abstain because you know it will wreak havoc on your ability to stay alert the next morning. Now imagine further that while you bask in the glory of your children’s excitement at what lies ahead for them after Santa has paid his visit, your in-laws, amongst others, slather you in endless anecdotal stories of how the conduct of employees in your profession, working in faraway cities, allegedly mishandled their duties and obligations. And you are left further to explain policy, procedures and fine points of the law because you are expected to be all knowing and all wise. You do your best to keep smiling, to be expected to have all the answers all the time and to explain the actions of others. Later that night, maybe around 9:00 pm, you quietly slip away to bed, because you have to get up for work in six hours. You try and fall asleep but it’s difficult because it’s Christmas and everyone else is off for at least a couple of days and they are loud and enjoying the family time together. However, you know that your ability to be awake and alert may have life and death consequences for you later the next day so you do your best to rest. In a few hours you will arise, kiss your children goodbye and head into a darkened city. You arrive for work about a half hour before you actually start to get paid. Arriving for work early is the first of a lengthy set of rules and regulations that will govern your every move over the next ten hours. When you are dressed and ready to go, packing on up to twenty-five pounds of equipment, much of it centred on your hips that will cause your back to ache if you stand too long, you parade before your boss and your boss’ boss. Those bosses will look you over from head to toe to make sure you are ready to face the public. You will be then told of the latest threats that lurk for both the safety of the public and your own safety before you set out for the day in a vehicle that is watched and stared-at by everyone that will have any type of contact with you. Over the course of the next ten hours, your every interaction with the public will be audio and video-taped and your every movement will be tracked by way of a satellite, monitored by your boss’ boss from his or her desk. Your every word to your dispatcher will be recorded and all of what you hear, see, touch and smell you will record via a journal that may be subjected to judicial and internal risk management scrutiny. Stressful yes, but working under constant surveillance is your reality. While your children are at your home, opening their gifts from you, you may find yourself standing in the living room of a complete stranger’s house, trying to compute how an intoxicated spouse could assault and threaten their betrothed. You are left to wondering why this stranger would throw their Christmas tree on the front lawn, and wonder how those children feel about their shredded Christmas morning. Later you will tend to the sick, the mentally ill and the victims of various crimes while maintaining a stoic professional demeanor. Exhausted and somewhat numbed by the experiences of the day, you will return home ten hours later, kiss your children and report to your family that it was ‘just another day.’ You have just spent Christmas day doing your very best, serving the population of Don Mills. You are proud of what you do and the service that the police provide. Such is the life of a uniform police officer in 33 Division. Staff Sergeant Jeff Taylor, ‘A’ Platoon



COMMUNITY CALENDAR: If you would like a Toronto Police Service representative from 33 Division to attend your community event, please send your request to Staff Sergeant Shawna Coxon at [email protected] or call 416-808-3392.

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

29 30 31 1 2

3

4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14Valentines

day

15

16

17 18 19 Make a change youth conference (U of T)

20 21 22 23 Camp Jumoke Bowl-athon

24

25 26

27 28

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