Tuesday, February 27, 2018

A Statement from Chief Mark Saunders



A Statement from Chief Mark Saunders

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 - 8:15 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Monday, I attended an Editorial Board of the Globe and Mail where I was asked questions, by numerous reporters, for an hour. Time was divided between talking about our modernization plan and the ongoing investigation into Bruce McArthur.

I want everyone, particularly the community, to understand the intent of this discussion so I would like to share the following:

As a police service, we put resources into Project Houston – a dozen full time investigators did thousands of hours of work canvassing the community, posting flyers, issuing news releases, interviewing witnesses, and still those activities did not yield any results. 

I talked at length about the challenges we face and our desire to work with the community to move forward and be better. I am releasing the interview in its entirety so you can hear for yourself.

Chief Saunders' Editorial Board with the Globe and Mail.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications



Monday, February 26, 2018

Public Safety Alert, Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area, Street robberies


Public Safety Alert, Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area, Street robberies

Monday, February 26, 2018 - 1:18 PM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a recent series of street robberies within a one-km. radius of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.

Since Wednesday, January 17, 2018, there have been 11 reported street robberies.

These incidents are mostly swarming-type robberies involving teenagers, in which
a group of people approach the victims and demand personal property, including cell phones, clothing and money. In several incidents, an edged weapon was produced during the demands.

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public be vigilant in the area. Police are also requesting anyone who is a victim or witness to this this type of incident to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Daniel Sabadics, 53 Division


Friday, February 23, 2018

Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Additional charge laid


Bruce McArthur investigation, Update, Additional charge laid

Friday, February 23, 2018 - 11:18 AM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

On Thursday, January 18, 2018, Bruce McArthur was arrested and charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, on Monday, January 29, 2018, Bruce McArthur was charged with three additional counts of First-Degree Murder.




See previous release.

The investigation has continued and, on Friday, February 23, 2018, Bruce McArthur was charged with another count of First-Degree Murder.

It is alleged that he is responsible for the death of Skandaraj Navaratnam.

Over the last several weeks, police have worked to identify the remains of at least six people.

On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the remains of Andrew Kinsman were identified.

Police have now identified the remains of Soroush Mahmudi and Skandaraj Navaratnam.

The investigation will continue with a search of properties associated to Mr. McArthur. Investigators are asking anyone who has information to contact police at 416-808-2021, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

The Toronto Police Service has created an information pamphlet for the community. It is attached to this news release or hard copies can be requested by contacting LGBTQ2S Liaison, Constable Danielle Bottineau, at 416-808-7268.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca

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


Above: Skandaraj Navaratnam



Thursday, February 22, 2018

Public Safety Alert, Fraudulent online ticket scams


Public Safety Alert, Fraudulent online ticket scams

Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 10:08 AM
52 Division:  416-808-5200

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of fraudulent online ticket scams.

It is reported that:

- officers have received numerous complaints from people who have replied to online ads posted on buy/sell websites for the sale of event tickets

- the victims engaged in text-message conversations with the suspects to negotiate ticket sale prices 

- money would then be sent via electronic money transfers to unknown suspects 

- in all reported cases, the suspects received the e-transfers and sent nothing in return, refusing to refund the money, and subsequently ceased communication with the victims

The Toronto Police Service reminds the public:

- once an electronic transfer has been received and confirmed, financial institutions cannot stop or reverse the funds

- financial institutions and buy/sell websites are not liable and will not reimburse parties complaining of this scam

- event tickets are available for purchase through verified box offices at event venues, and on accredited ticket sales websites with clearly stated refund policies

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, 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 Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Patrick Stewart, 52 Division



Public Safety Alert, Pickpocket/credit card scam in and around downtown core


Public Safety Alert, Pickpocket/credit card scam in and around downtown core

Thursday, February 22, 2018 - 9:33 AM
52 Division:  416-808-5200

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of pickpocket and credit card scams in and around the downtown core.

The Toronto Police Service has received multiple reports from people who have been victims of stolen wallets.

It is reported that:

- suspects target patrons who are dining at restaurants and food courts in the downtown area, specifically lunchtime crowds

- the items, primarily wallets, are taken from unattended purses and coats which are left hanging on the back of chairs

- the victims' debit cards and credit cards were subsequently used for unauthorized transactions worth thousands of dollars

- in each incident, suspects wore baseball caps and glasses to avoid security cameras 

- immediately after the items are stolen, the suspects attended retail locations in the vicinity and purchased goods with the stolen cards 

- the suspects also used stolen identification to subsequently commit identity fraud

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind members of the public to have a secure PIN, and to be aware of your coats, purses, wallets and other property when dining in public spaces.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, 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 Allyson Douglas-Cook, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Patrick Stewart, 52 Division


Monday, February 19, 2018

43 cases of vandalism to vehicles in Cabbagetown in six weeks, Update, Two men arrested, face total of 14 charges


43 cases of vandalism to vehicles in Cabbagetown in six weeks, Update, Two men arrested, face total of 14 charges

Monday, February 19, 2018 - 11:41 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

51 Division would like to make the public aware that two arrests have been made in the investigation into numerous acts of vandalism in the Cabbagetown area.

See previous release.

It is alleged that:

- at approximately 4 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018, members of the 51 Division Major Crime Unit and the 51 Division Community Response Unit were in the area and noticed suspicious behavior

- the officers witnessed two people entering vehicles which were parked along Sackville Street and also committing damage to them

- these suspects were approached by the officers and immediately ran

- the officers pursued and were able to apprehend the suspects after a brief chase

- officers discovered a knife and an ice pick-type instrument on each suspect

Estuardo Anfree Rivas, 21, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) five counts of Mischief/Damage to Property not exceeding $5000
2) Theft Under $5000
3) Possession of Break-and-Enter Instrument
4) Carry Concealed Weapon

Samson Bambino Carter, 18, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with: 

1) five counts of Mischief/Damage to Property not exceeding $5000
2) Carry Concealed Weapon

They were scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Monday, February 19, 2018, 10 a.m., room 101.

The investigation is continuing. Members of the public are being encouraged to continue being aware and vigilant of suspicious activity and to contact police and report any behavior they find suspicious.

The investigators would still like residents to review their personal home security systems and send any video to police that may have captured vehicles being damaged or any other suspicious activity or persons.

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 Sergeant Scott Spratt, 51 Division Detective Operations

There are no files attached to this release.
 

Monday, February 19, 2018, noon, Facebook Live, Family Day discussion, Distracted driving: what is the true cost?


Monday, February 19, 2018, noon, Facebook Live, Family Day discussion, Distracted driving: what is the true cost?

Monday, February 19, 2018 - 5:59 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Toronto Police Service Traffic Services is inviting the public to participate in the #ThatTextOrCallCouldEndItAll discussion on Facebook. 

During February, the Toronto Police Service runs its annual distracted-driving campaign called “That Text or Call Could End It All.”

This live-streamed discussion will focus on trends, concerns, and current as well as upcoming legislative changes including monetary penalties and licence suspensions for distracted-driving-related offences. 

Although distracted-driving legislation targets those people who use cellphones, distraction takes many forms. Some of these include eating, drinking, reading, and personal grooming. 

Members of Traffic Services will answer questions from the public on distracted-driving through a moderator on Facebook.

The live-streamed discussion will run on Monday, February 19, 2018, from noon to 12:30 p.m. EST., and will be broadcast via Facebook at Traffic Services Facebook Page.

Remember #RoadSafetyStartsWithYou 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Operations, Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Operations


Sunday, February 18, 2018

Holiday on-street parking enforcement


Holiday on-street parking enforcement

Sunday, February 18, 2018 - 9:29 AM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during the Family Day public holiday on Monday, February 19, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Operations Supervisor, Parking Enforcement West


Thursday, February 15, 2018

Police seek assistance identifying two men in commercial Break-and-Enter investigation, Adelaide Street West and Peter Street area, Security camera images of the two men released


Police seek assistance identifying two men in commercial Break-and-Enter investigation, Adelaide Street West and Peter Street area, Security camera images of the two men released

Thursday, February 15, 2018 - 11:22 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5200

The Toronto Police Service is requesting assistance identifying two men wanted in an investigation into a commercial Break-and-Enter in the Adelaide Street West and Peter Streetarea.

It is reported that:

- on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at approximately 6 a.m., two men made entry into a commercial property and stole a quantity of goods.

The men are described as: 

1) 30s, 5'7"-5'9", medium build. He was seen wearing a black winter jacket, dark jeans, black toque, carrying a dark backpack

2) approximately 5'11", medium build. He was seen wearing a black hooded jacket, dark jeans, carrying a red-and-black GoodLife fitness bag.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mark Kennedy, 52 Division Major Crime Unit






Wednesday, February 14, 2018

43 cases of vandalism to vehicles in Cabbagetown in six weeks


43 cases of vandalism to vehicles in Cabbagetown in six weeks

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 - 3:23 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

51 Division wants to make the public aware of numerous acts of vandalism in Cabbagetown.

Since Monday, January 1, 2018, 43 reports of damage to vehicles have been made to police and include broken windows, cut tires and paint applied to the exterior of vehicles. These incidents are occurring in the evening/overnight hours and on no particular day of the week.

Cabbagetown is located within the boundaries of Parliament Street to the west, Wellesley Street to the north, Gerrard Street East to the south and the Don River to the east.

The members of 51 Division are asking residents to be aware and vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood. 

Police are also requesting home security equipment be reviewed and forwarded to police if owners notice anything suspicious that may assist investigators to identify anyone responsible for these crimes.

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


Community Safety Notification, High-risk sex offender released, Joseph Thayakaran Joseph, 45, Photograph of man released


Community Safety Notification, High-risk sex offender released, Joseph Thayakaran Joseph, 45, Photograph of man released

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 - 9:06 AM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, Joseph Thayakaran Joseph, 45, is to be released from prison after serving an eight-year, 10-month sentence for:

1) two counts of Sexual Assault
2) Sexual Assault with a Weapon
3) three counts of Forcible Confinement
4) Assault

He will be living in Toronto upon his release. The Toronto Police Service is notifying the public of his release due to his high-risk potential to re-offend. 

He is subject to an 810.2 Recognizance order requiring him to abide by numerous conditions, including:

1) Report weekly to the Toronto Police Service
2) Not to enter into any intimate relationship, cohabitation, marriage or common-law relationship with a female until that person has been identified to the Toronto Police Service
3) Not to use social media accounts including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc, without specified permission. Any account used must be viewable by the public
4) Not have contact directly or indirectly with any person on social media unless specific permission is obtained 24 hours in advance of doing so. 

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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Pauline Gray, Sex Crimes


Community Safety Notification for released sex offender Joseph Thayakaran Joseph, 45

Monday, February 12, 2018

Woman Pulled from Frigid Water


Woman Pulled from Frigid Water

By Ron Fanfair, Toronto Police ServicePublished: 8:12 a.m. February 12, 2018


Faced with a woman clinging to life in frigid Toronto Harbour, a group of officers formed a human chain to pull her to safety.


Hailen and her dog Cleo were rescued from Toronto Harbour by Constable Christopher Hawley, Sergeant Craig Somers and Constables Ashley Pickford and Tom Zebrowski

It was 1.59 a.m. on January 29, when 9-1-1 received a call from a woman who advised that her dog had jumped into Lake Ontario, along the boardwalk in the area of Merchants Wharf. She also indicated she may lower herself down the seawall to retrieve the dog.

Constables Ashley Pickford and Christopher Hawley were the first to the scene.

“We couldn’t see the lady anywhere, but we heard a faint yelling from the water further west, along the shoreline nearer to the bottom of Sherbourne St.,” she said.

By that time, Sergeant Craig Somers pulled up at the scene and was joined by Pickford and Hawley closer to where the call for help had been heard. The three officers were able to locate the woman through her cries for help in the pitch-black water, holding her small dog to her chest.

“She appeared to be very weak and in distress while clinging to her dog,” said Somers. “The outside temperature had reached -7 degrees and the lake still had visible ice formations floating in the water.”

The woman was about eight feet down at the bottom of a concrete seawall.

With time quickly running out, the officers acted before the Marine Unit and Toronto Fire and Paramedic Services arrived. A third police unit had also arrived on scene to assist.

Somers, along with Constables Hawley, Pickford, Brendon Langer and Andrew Corkill, tied off rope to a ship moored along the water’s edge. With her duty belt, coat, vest and shoes off, Pickford was lowered down the wall to a cross beam at water level by officers holding the rope and forming a human chain to the water.

“There was no hesitancy in doing that,” she said. “We were worried that the lady might not make it and something had to be done right away to get her out of the water.”

Pickford grabbed the dog and handed it up to the officers before reaching back for the woman, showing extraordinary strength in grabbing her left hand and hauling her upwards with the help of her leg.

With assistance from Constable Tom Zebrowski, who secured the stack of officers from being pulled into the water, the rescue happened without incident.

“Once she was pulled from the water, I took off my police coat and covered her with it until an ambulance showed up,” said Somers.

Hailen was very thankful for the officers intervention to save her and her 15-year-old Bichon Frise, Cleo, whom she couldn’t bear to see drown in front of her eyes.

She was rushed to hospital with hypothermia, while Corkill and Langer took her dog – Cleo – to a 24-hour clinic.


“When Cleo arrived at the vet hospital, her condition was critical to the point where the vet suggested the option of putting her down,” said Hailen. “She was in the ICU for four days to get the water out of her lungs from almost drowning.”


Constable Ashley Pickford got a personal thank-you from a woman and dog she saved from drowning in Lake Ontario
"But the kind actions of everyone will always stay with me. I can’t express enough that every step of the way, I felt that we were in the best of hands and were going to be okay"

The dog was reunited with her owner on February 2.

“Her appetite has started to come back and she enjoys most of her days by sleeping and resting in the sun,” Hailen said.

She’s extremely thankful to the officers for saving their lives, and was able to meet them all at 51 Division a week later to show her appreciation.

“I must thank Constable Pickford for risking her own life by venturing down and pulling us from the freezing water,” she said. “The beams of light from flashlights were in my face and I can’t remember any faces during the chaos. But the kind actions of everyone will always stay with me. I can’t express enough that every step of the way, I felt that we were in the best of hands and were going to be okay.”


Somers later said that it was a call he’d never forget. The officers worked together as a team with the best possible outcome, plus the date was easy to recall as he’d been working the midnight shift on his birthday. “What better a birthday gift than to be part of saving someone’s life,” he said.







Saturday, February 10, 2018

Purse snatch and theft prevention


Purse snatch and theft prevention

A purse snatch (robbery) can occur anywhere at anytime. In order to reduce your risk, there are many precautions you can take.

For Your Protection

  • Never place a purse strap around your neck or wrap it around your wrist; forcible removal could result in serious personal injury
  • Look confident and always be aware of your immediate surroundings

Reduce the risk 

When Travelling In Your Vehicle

  • Place your purse under the seat or secure it in the trunk
  • Park in a well-lit, attended area if possible
  • Completely close and lock all windows and doors
  • NEVER label your keys with your name and address�this is an invitation for thieves to identify and rob your home

When In Public

  • When possible, walk with a friend - try to avoid walking alone
  • When in a restaurant or other public area, DO NOT leave your purse draped over the back of your chair
  • When shopping, DO NOT leave your purse unattended in the change room or shopping cart - EVEN FOR A SECOND!
  • When at work, DO NOT leave your purse in plain view, lock it a drawer or cabinet

Other Important Tips

  • Carry key chains separate from your purse-you will still be able to get into your car or home if your are robbed
  • Before setting out, make it a point to bring along only the credit cards, cheques and amount of money that you will actually need. Carry your cash and cards in a jacket pocket
  • Use a fanny pack or waist pouch instead of a purse

If You Are A Victim

  • Release the Purse - Do not risk personal injury
  • Scream and Yell - Attracted attention may scare off a would-be attacker
  • Make a Mental Note - Note the thief's appearance i.e. height, weight, hair colour/style, clothing, etc.
  • Call 9.1.1. Immediately - Report the incident to the Police
  • Seek Medical Attention - If you have any injuries, see your doctor
  • Notify your Financial Institutions - Advise your banks and/or credit companies of stolen credit cards, ATM cards or cheques
  • Notify Government Agencies - Advise Government agencies of your stolen documents such as:
    Social Insurance Card
    Birth Certificate
    Driver's Licence
    Health Card
    Passport

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/crimeprevention/purse.php



Friday, February 09, 2018

Two men wanted in Theft and Fraud investigation, Mohammed Ouadria, 44, and Farid Benkhedim, 41, Photographs of two men released


Two men wanted in Theft and Fraud investigation, Mohammed Ouadria, 44, and Farid Benkhedim, 41, Photographs of two men released

Friday, February 9, 2018 - 1:43 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service requests assistance locating two men wanted in a Theft and Fraud investigation.

It is alleged that:

- between Thursday, January 12, 2017 and Friday, January 13, 2017, multiple wallets were stolen in the downtown Toronto area

- the wallets were taken from victims' coats and bags while seated in coffee shops and eateries in areas with high pedestrian traffic

- after the wallets were taken, the credit cards were compromised and used for cash advances and retail purchases.

- police are trying to locate two men:

- Mohammed Ouadria, 44, of Quebec, is described as 5'7", 140 lbs., black hair, brown eyes

- Farid Benkhedim, 41, of Quebec, is described as 5'9", 190 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes

Both men have an outstanding warrant for their arrest for:

1) three counts of Theft Under
2) 11 counts of Fraud Under
3) three counts of Theft of Credit Card
4) 13 counts of Use Credit Card Obtained by Crime

The two men are urged to contact investigators at 51 Division to make arrangements to surrender.

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.

Katrina Arrogante, Corporate Communications, for Detective Michael Rogers, 51 Division


Farid Benkhedim, 41, wanted in Theft and Fraud investigation

Mohammed Ouadria, 44, wanted in Theft and Fraud investigation

Public Safety Alert, Phone-based Fraud scheme


Public Safety Alert, Phone-based Fraud scheme

Friday, February 9, 2018 - 10:40 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

The Toronto Police Service is reminding the public to be vigilant regarding phone-based fraud schemes. Recently, members of the public have been contacted via phone by people posing as retailers who claim to be alerting them regarding a fraud offence in progress which involves the use of their credit card account.

After the initial conversation, the intended victim may be advised to dial 9-1-1 in order to alert police of the "credit card fraud" that is supposedly in progress.

The victim may also be advised to contact their financial institution in order to protect their financial interests.

The victim will hang up and do so, being unaware that the original caller has not disconnected.

The victim believes they have contacted police via 9-1-1 and/or their financial institution, but they have actually been re-directed to an imposter posing as a 9-1-1 call-taker or bank employee.

The "call-taker" will speak to the victim and connect them to yet another imposter posing as a police investigator or will refer the victim to a "bank investigator" either by connecting them directly or asking them to hang up and call the number located on the back of their bank card. The victim will comply, again being unaware that the original caller has not actually disconnected.

Ultimately, the victim will be urged to attend their bank branch and immediately transfer funds to a specific account that is supposedly intended to safeguard their funds until the "investigation" is complete.

The scheme may vary in detail from person to person depending on the circumstances. The scheme appears to be directed at persons using their home-based phones. There is no particular phone provider associated to the victims. To date, five Toronto victims have suffered combined losses of over $5.1 million. Investigators believe there are other victims. 

There is evidence to indicate that the scheme is being conducted nationwide and hundreds of thousands of people have been targeted. Furthermore, there is evidence to indicate that, in certain cases, the callers may already possess some of the banking particulars of the intended victim.

The public is reminded of the following:


- 9-1-1 is for emergencies where people or property are at risk. 9-1-1 call-takers will not forward your call to a police investigator

- if you are in doubt about the security of your personal funds, attend any branch of your financial institution and make enquiries in person

- financial institutions will NEVER advise you to transfer funds to external accounts for security reasons

- when contacted via phone by people claiming to be police officers, bank employees, or officials, take reasonable steps to ensure their claim is truthful

- do not assume that phone numbers appearing on call display screens are accurate. Readily available “call-spoofing” technology is frequently utilized by criminals to provide inaccurate caller information

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Ian Nichol, Financial Crimes


Wednesday, February 07, 2018

TPS launches Connected Officer program at 51 Division, Significant modernization initiative




TPS launches Connected Officer program at 51 Division, Significant modernization initiative

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - 12:10 PM
Strategy Management:  416-808-7018

The first phase of the Connected Officer program is launching at 51 Division. This launch comes after months of work, including a detailed assessment of devices, Service-wide member engagement, evaluation and time invested by the working group of members from across the Service. By the end of February, 236 officers will have received their Service-issued mobile devices.

“Today’s frontline officers require technology that gives them increased access to real-time information and, as part of our modernization effort, we are doing just that,” explained Inspector Domenic Sinopoli. “Not only will officers be able to problem-solve faster, on the spot – not in a scout car or back at a station - their Service-issued device will also provide a direct connection to members of the community, an important component of keeping the Toronto Police Service connected with the people we serve.”

The Connected Officer program provides the ability of extending the use of modern technology that enables frontline members to receive and communicate information in a timely way, regardless of where they are. Enhanced use of technology and access to investigative databases on the device, such as Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), mugshots, and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) information, is important to frontline members and the continued safety of Torontonians.

The deployment of Service-issued mobile devices has three phases of implementation and is expected to be completed by December 2020, when there will be Service-issued devices in the hands of all frontline members.

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 places communities at its core, optimizes the use of resources and technology, and embraces 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 check progress for each recommendation, visit: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/scorecard/

To read more about this, and the entire Action Plan: The Way Forward, visit: www.tps.on.ca/thewayforward.com

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications


Monday, February 05, 2018

Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy, Registration now open for spring session


Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy, Registration now open for spring session

Monday, February 5, 2018 - 9:55 AM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0100

Registration for the spring session of the Toronto Police Service Community Police Academy has now opened.

The eight-week course, designed to inform members of the public about all things policing, will be held at the Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham Street, every Saturday, from March 27, 2018 to May 26, 2018. 

Please visit our website for scheduling and course details.

The Toronto Police Service has partnered with Humber College to offer credits upon successful completion of the Community Police Academy.

Graduates will be recognized by Chief Mark Saunders and will be eligible for two credits toward Humber’s Police Foundations Diploma.

Students must attend every class to graduate. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

To register, cick here.

Media inquiries can be directed to Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, at 416-808-7100 or meaghan.gray@torontopolice.on.ca 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for A/Superintendent David Rydzik, Divisional Policing Support Unit