May 2010. Immigrant Post Magazine

Superintendent Ron Taverner, 23 Division, Toronto Police

Conversation with Immigrant Post Magazine.

Questions

Q1 . What are the goals of the Toronto Anti – Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS)?

The goals of Tavis are: Reduce Violence Increase Safety Improve the quality of life
Components: Tavis Rapid Response Teams Each division has their own plan
Tavis callbacks Bail compliance Focus Neighbourhood TAVIS Deployment Community Mobilization

Q 2. How are you going to implement this strategy and reduce crime?

Every Friday the Crime Management Team discusses where crime occurred over the past week. Officers are assigned according to the overall crime picture. Officers from PRU and CRU are given assignments through Intelligence Led Policing.

This year we are one of three divisions who will have the Focus Neighbourhood Tavis deployment this summer. Beginning in May we will have 20 additional officers concentrated in the Jamestown area to help reduce crime, foster better relations between police and the community and engage the community in crime prevention and quality of life issues.

Tavis reduces crime by focussing our attention to those neighbourhoods in greatest need. It also helps officers to get to know the people of the neighbourhood thereby improving relations.

Q 3. What is community mobilization for the Police?

Community mobilazation is the actions and initiatives taken by police officers to motivate and support citizens to effectively deal with the root causes of crime and security within their neighbourhoods.
The goal of community Mobilization is to identify shared community values and support citizens to effectively deal with the root causes of crime and insecurity within their neighbourhood.

Q 4. The Police Service recognizes that crime prevention is a crucial component of community mobilization, how do you engage community members to become aware of their safety and become proactive in reducing crime?

We have a Crime Prevention Officer who gives lectures to community groups on a number of crime prevention initiatives
Our division has been campaigning for people to sign up with TPSLinks. This is a Toronto Police Program where members of the public can received voice mails, emails or text messaging of crime in their neighbourhood. We have seven School Resource Officers who are assigned to high schools and although their primary responsibility is to foster relations between the students and police they also provide advice on crime prevention.
On a monthly basis we advise people on crime prevention initiatives at the Community Police Liason Committee and our Faith group.

Q 5. Many new comers to Toronto have experienced negative interactions with the Police in their native countries, how do you assist these new Canadians to overcome their fear with the Police and establish trusting relations with them?
Our CPO gives lectures to newcomers to Canada about Rights, laws etc.

Q 6. Many Somali youth were sadly murdered in the past few years, what steps are you taking to engage this traumatized community and to ensure that no one is victimized again?

We work with a number of organizations who are working directly with youth. Our officers participate in afterschool programs as well as a number of sporting events. Officers have also participated in a 6 week “know your rights” program that was well received from the youth. On April 22 at 7:00 pm we have an information session planned where officers will speak about complaints, crimestoppers, recruitment and the need for communication and trust between the community and police.

Q 7. Can you please explain Community Policing concept?

Community Policing is a philosophy of policing that encourages partnership between the police and the community to prevent crime and disorder in a proactive rather than reactive way. The emphasis is on solving problems that affect the community.
Q 8. What are the procedures to file a complaint against a serving officer?
People who want to complain against a police officer or a policy by the Police Service may do so and it will be overseen by an Independent Civilian Review Agency. Complainants will be informed of what steps have been taken and what to expect.

Q 9. Can you please describe your hiring process?

Recruiting by the Police is a long process. Candidates must first complete an application test and then go through an aptitude, physical and psychological testing. Candidates who pass the initial stages will be required for an interview as well as subject to a background check. We are dedicated in providing a Police Service that reflects the composition of the community. We actively recruit and encourage members of different ethnic communities to apply.

Superintendent Ron Taverner, 23 Divion; Toronto. Police conversation with M. Kulow, I.Post magazine