National and International News Clippings & Press Releases

Providing members with information on policing from across Canada & around the world

March 21, 2014

Canadian Association of Police Governance 157 Gilmour Street, Suite 302 Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0N8 Tel: 613|235|2272 Fax: 613|235|2275 www.capg.ca

BRITISH COLUMBIA ...... 4 Abbotsford Police identify priorities for 2014 ...... 4 ALBERTA ...... 5 Alberta police plan pot amnesty prior to April 1 deadline ...... 5 SASKATCHEWAN ...... 6 Tasers back in the hands of Saskatchewan police ...... 6 Aboriginal police officer recruitment in Saskatoon grows ...... 7 Saskatoon police post $1M surplus ...... 9 Saskatoon police chief supports looser marijuana laws ...... 10 MANITOBA ...... 10 ONTARIO ...... 11 Ottawa police rank-and-file to be pooled, either fit for jobs or not ...... 11 Ottawa Police overtime $600K in red last year...... 13 Police seek more Tasers ...... 14 Turnout sparse at police forum ...... 15 Quinte West policing costs could decrease ...... 17 Police Services Board member not pleased distracted driving fines target only electronics 19 Taser use a divisive issue as cops gather 1,200 responses to public questionnaires ...... 20 Toronto Police Services Board ends free background checks for city hires ...... 22 Chief De Caire should resign, says Steve Mesic's father-in-law ...... 23 Thunder Bay Police Service rebranding soon ...... 24 City councillors push for proposal to police Brant County ...... 25 Police carding loses its sting: Editorial ...... 26 Battle lines are clear at the Toronto Police Services Board 114 ...... 28 Region getting safer: police ...... 31 What they were paid in 2013 ...... 33 Toronto police board chair acknowledges ‘intense’ disagreements ...... 34 Toronto police board to unveil draft carding policy on Thursday ...... 35 Toronto police shouldn’t stop carding, lawyer says ...... 37 Amherstburg begins search for new deputy police chief ...... 38 Police Services Board announces Chief of Police search ...... 40 With no successor, county Police Services Board chairmanship will rotate to host communities ...... 40 Toronto Police Services Board ends free background checks for city hires ...... 42 Chief embarrassed by mayor's comment at BBQ ...... 43 QUEBEC ...... 45 March against police brutality declared illegal, broken up ...... 45 NEW BRUNSWICK ...... 47 NOVA SCOTIA ...... 47 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ...... 47 NEWFOUNDLAND ...... 47 NATIONAL ...... 47 INTERNATIONAL NEWS ...... 47

Cameras Becoming Part Of San Juan Police Uniforms ...... 47 Weed out miscreants from Police Service ...... 47 Canadian-led group to present recommendations on Bangsamoro police ...... 49 National Police’s cybercrime unit gets boost ...... 51

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Abbotsford Police identify priorities for 2014

Vikki Hopes Abbotsford News March 15, 2014

Road safety, property crime and domestic violence have been identified as the Abbotsford Police Department’s (APD) top priorities for the year.

The department has released its 2014 strategic plan, which lays out the crucial areas of concern and sets goals for improvement.

Police Chief Bob Rich said the top priority continues to be road safety – the same as it was in 2013.

Although the APD saw a drop in traffic-related fatalities from nine in 2012 to four last year, the number of crashes resulting in injury did not drop during that same period, with 504 and 517 in those two years, respectively.

This year, the APD is aiming for a 10 per cent reduction in injury collisions, and is making some changes that include having more patrol officers, in addition to traffic officers, handing out tickets.

Rich said the APD hopes that some innovative public education initiatives will help spread the message that drivers need to take more care on the roads.

Property crime is second on the list of priorities in the strategic plan, with the APD setting a goal this year to reduce such crimes by 10 per cent.

Rich said that in 2013, the APD recorded an 18 per cent drop in residential break-ins and a 23 per cent reduction in robberies, but business break-ins were up 26 per cent.

He said the department is looking at developing a more sustainable program to monitor problem residences and wants to increase its ability to manage prolific and priority offenders.

As well, two officers from the gang suppression unit – which has made great strides in reducing gang violence in the city – will be moved to the crime reduction unit.

Third on the list of priorities is domestic violence, which Rich acknowledged is a difficult issue to tackle.

“But it’s a very serious matter so we intend to keep pressing forward on that,” he said.

Rich said a key factor in this issue is educating children about respectful relationships. To that end, the APD plans to hold some presentations in local high schools.

The department is also planning to hire two new detectives for its domestic violence unit, which was formed in January 2010.

Other goals in the strategic plan include:

• suppressing gang crime through initiatives such as targeting gang-controlled grow-ops; and

• implementing a “more efficient policing model,” including maximizing the time spent on “intelligence-led policing projects.” http://www.abbynews.com/news/250356981.html

ALBERTA

Alberta police plan pot amnesty prior to April 1 deadline

Jeremy Nolais Metro March 19, 2014

If kitty litter and water won’t destroy your medical marijuana, southern Alberta police appear willing to take the drugs off your hands, no questions asked.

Federal reforms loom April 1 that will make illegal all home marijuana grow operations. In advance, Health Canada has suggested current patients still sitting on a stock of plants and buds turn to a mixture of kitty litter and water to properly dispose of their stashes.

But Staff Sgt. Keith Hurley with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said details are also being finalized for a police-initiated pot drop-off or pickup for patients hoping to comply with the new regulations.

“If they so choose — they want to have it properly disposed of — they can turn it over to the police and there isn’t any repercussions on them,” he said. “We’re going to have a grace period, albeit a short one.”

Hurley said final details were still being sussed out, but said patients would be provided with details ahead of the April 1 changes.

Health Canada has come under fire from marijuana users again in recent days after indicating all current patients in the medicinal program must submit a signed form by

April 30 confirming they have ceased any growing of the drug. Those who fail to comply, will be reported to police, the federal health body said.

Health Canada has previously refused to disclose the locations of home grow operations despite repeated inquiries from Alberta police and CIty of Calgary officials.

But some marijuana users appeared bent on continuing to defy directions from federal officials.

“Most patients I’ve heard from — and me personally – won’t be sending a letter in,” said Aaron Bott, who operates Alberta’s only marijuana dispensary. “That letter, you would be endorsing what Health Canada says, which is they don’t support medical marijuana.”

Hurley admits confusion among municipalities, patients and law-enforcement officials has been common in the run up to the April 1 changes. He said police support getting marijuana out of Alberta homes — he noted it can lead to a numerous health issues — and his team is merely attempting to assist patients attempting to follow the new federal guidelines.

“Our job isn’t to turn around and be nailing people come April 1,” he said. “It’s business as usual for us. We respond to public complaints . . . if charges are warranted in some cases, then we’ll deal with that accordingly.” http://metronews.ca/news/calgary/976320/alberta-police-plan-pot-amnesty-prior-to- april-1-deadline/

SASKATCHEWAN

Tasers back in the hands of Saskatchewan police

Christina Cherneskey Metro March 16, 2014

The Regina Police Service has announced it’s beginning to carry Tasers again. Police in Saskatoon quietly reintroduced the weapons into service in December.

For those who wonder why the use of Tasers was stopped, it goes back to the fall of 2007 at Vancouver International Airport.

Robert Dziekański was a construction worker emigrating from Poland to British Columbia. It was a confusing few hours for him as he unsuccessfully tried to get through immigration processing. Witnesses say he was agitated. As details and video later

6 clarified, Dziekański was jolted with a stun gun five times by RCMP officers. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

This tragedy revived debate concerning the use of Tasers in Canada. Civil-liberties groups had been calling for a moratorium on them until their risks could be minimized. After much delay and debate, the Braidwood Inquiry was established and its final report was released in 2010 in Vancouver. Part of the report contained recommendations for police on strict regulations surrounding Taser use.

This abridged history leads us to what most law-abiding citizens want to hear — that our police have the necessary tools to protect us.

On Thursday, Saskatoon police used a Taser to subdue a woman brandishing a butcher knife. Regina police used a Taser recently on a man who was deemed a danger to himself.

Police in this province heeded the recommendations of the Braidwood report. That’s why they took Tasers out of commission in the first place. That’s why all officers have since received intensive training with them.

Saskatchewan Police Commission executive director Rick Peach said recently that “our (Taser) policy is as strong as any in the country.”

Police in Saskatoon and Regina use the Taser X26, which is equipped with a chip that records the time and date of activation, as well as the duration of any use. A supervisor reviews the data collected.

Several years ago, I had a chance to be jolted with such a stun gun during a media event in Toronto. Police had dialed down their Tasers to “reporter setting,” which was relatively mild. Even then, I felt like I had been pushed down concrete stairs in a tight metal box.

I was convinced by that experience never to break the law. Hopefully, the bad guys will be too. http://metronews.ca/voices/urban-compass-4/973726/tasers-are-back-in-the-hands- saskatchewan-police/

Aboriginal police officer recruitment in Saskatoon grows

Amber Rockliffe Global News March 14, 2014

SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Police Service, dignitaries and RCMP attended SIAST’s Aboriginal Police Preparation Program graduation on Friday in Saskatoon.

Jazmyne Black was honoured to graduate from the program. Her dad was an RCMP officer and she hopes to follow in his footsteps.

“Because of him, it inspired me to become somebody like him. He has a good head on his shoulders and he’s very knowledgeable. He just makes me feel determined to be a better person,” she explained.

Officers like Black’s dad helped to pave the way for future generations.

Ernie Louttit is a retired officer from the Saskatoon Police Service, he joined the force in 1987.

“When I first started with Saskatoon police, I was the third native officer, and there was an old boys’ club. And they didn’t want to work with women, they didn’t want to work with natives,” said Louttit.

He also encountered backlash from the aboriginal community.

“It was both ways, so a lot of native people would call me an ‘apple’ – like I was red on the outside and white on the inside, and that I was betraying my people by being a police officer,” Louttit explained.

Several decades later, Saskatoon police not only embraces diversity, but says it’s essential.

“It helps our officers understand the diversity, understand the culture, and hopefully come up with some solutions to some of the issues we’ve had historically,” said police chief Clive Weighill.

Saskatoon police has joined forces with several groups around the province to form the Saskatchewan Police Aboriginal Recruiting Committee.

“We’re up now to about 11 per cent composition of either First Nations or Métis, so that’s come up from about four or five per cent beginning at the year 2000,” said Weighill.

The Saskatoon Police Service says it’s not easy for anyone to become an officer and that its rigorous application process catches many applicants off-guard. But those with the right skills and determination make it through.

The service hopes 16 per cent of its force will be aboriginal by 2020. http://globalnews.ca/news/1209749/aboriginal-police-officer-recruitment-in- saskatoon-grows/

Saskatoon police post $1M surplus

Charles Hamilton The Starphoenix March 17, 2014

There’s a silver lining to the delayed move into Saskatoon’s new police headquarters.

The Saskatoon Police Service posted a $1.4 million surplus in 2013, thanks in large part to the deferred cost of changing headquarters.

Police officials had expected to spend more than $450,000 once officers and staff moved into the new building. But since the move has been delayed by several months, so too has the cost.

“We had it budgeted to move into there last year, so the city gets back that money,” Chief Clive Weighill said in an interview Monday.

Police were originally expected to move into the new $122 million Saskatoon Police Service building on 25th Street last October, but now the move isn’t likely to happen until either April or May, Weighill said.

The 2013 police budget was $72 million.

Operations, maintenance and telephones in the new facility will cost $500,000 more this year than last year.

Police received a 5.5 per cent budget increase, or an additional $3.9 million in 2014, to offset the cost of operating the new building.

Police revenues in 2013 were also significantly higher — $751,271 more than budgeted.

Most of that extra cash came from the federal and provincial governments. Last year the provincial government, for example, contributed $5,000 more for each provincially funded position within the force. Extra money also flows in whenever an officer is seconded for federal duty.

Special duty officers — constables who are hired as security for private events — netted an extra $144,000 for the police force in 2013.

The debate about charging festivals for police presence is again expected to flare up on Thursday at a meeting of the board of police commissioners.

Weighill noted the department was also frugal with training days and there were no costly investigations in 2013. Police also spent $60,0000 on equipment costs.

“If we didn’t need it, we didn’t buy it,” Weighill said.

All of the surplus money goes directly back to the City of Saskatoon. City staff are expected to use the money to offset a budget deficit of their own. http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Saskatoon+police+post+surplus/9628260/story. html

Saskatoon police chief supports looser marijuana laws

News Talk Radio staff March 17, 2014

Saskatoon's police chief is adding his voice to the chorus of chiefs across the country who are calling for looser marijuana laws.

Clive Weighill joined John Gormley Live Monday to explain that they are not trying to decriminalize it.

"But somebody that has two, three or five joints in their possession, the officer really is kind of caught here."

"Do I charge somebody criminally for this and clog up the courts with a criminal charge for a minor possession?"

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has long called for ticketing people for pot possession instead of laying criminal charges.

"If we stop someone with a bottle of beer in their hands, police can issue a traffic summons very quickly, a voluntary payment and it's handled," Weighill said.

Earlier this month, the Conservative government said it was considering new legislation for minor marijuana offences.

“We’re not talking about decriminalization or legalization,” Justice Minister Peter MacKay said.

“The Criminal Code would still be available to police, but we would look at options that would … allow police to ticket those types of offences.” http://cjme.com/story/saskatoon-police-chief-supports-looser-marijuana-laws/285420

MANITOBA

ONTARIO

Ottawa police rank-and-file to be pooled, either fit for jobs or not

Shaamini Yogaretnam Ottawa Citizen March 16, 2014

OTTAWA — A revamped Ottawa police job policy that rotates senior officers back to patrol units to give their younger colleagues time to gain experience in specialty units is still causing officers concern, despite a commitment to resolve the issues.

Changes to the tenure policy were announced in January, as was the decision to freeze it until 2015 to give Ottawa police time to implement changes that govern who gets into specialty units and for how long.

The policy itself was widely disliked by officers, with some saying it unfairly gave junior officers spots in specialty units before they were ready, and others saying it was a punishment the whole force had to endure just so management could get rid of senior staff who got too comfortable in plush jobs. But many continue to wonder what real effects the changes will have.

A review of the policy was conducted after its fifth year, a time Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau said was fitting to “take a serious look at it.”

Timing aside, senior management knew the policy was contentious and was a morale- buster in the force.

Despite concerns that good officers would be penalized, investigations would be compromised by inexperienced investigators and patrol units would flounder with aging officers, Bordeleau said he remains committed to the concept of the policy, which is to bring experience back to the front line and have movement within the service to learn and share skills.

Ottawa police brought in an external consultant to do a full evaluation, including one- on-one interviews with officers and focus groups.

That review brought approximately a dozen recommendations to the force, which Ottawa police have since pared down to about a handful.

The changes will hopefully address what Bordeleau called “fundamental issues” that were expressed by officers.

“We want to make sure that the process is transparent and the decisions are transparent. We want to make sure that there’s clarity and that it’s not as complicated a process as it has been, and we want to make sure that it’s fair.”

Under the old policy, a group of staff sergeants was to meet to review applications for open positions within the units. Applicants who were found to be qualified for the job were scored and ranked using a system so complicated that many officers were concerned it wasn’t fair or consistent. The top candidates were given a job as it became available until the list ran out or it expired.

From an organizational perspective, Bordeleau said there were issues with the model: “What that does is it excludes senior managers from becoming involved in any decision.” Inspectors and superintendents, higher-ranking officers, didn’t have any input, but it also meant that units were beholden to the list.

“It doesn’t give us the ability to pick the right person with the right skills for the right job at that point in time.” Bordeleau said. Applicants will no longer be ranked but pooled.

“You’re either qualified for the job or you’re not,” Bordeleau said.

Once a pool of applicants is determined, management can then look at the pool and see who’s the best fit.

Bordeleau said some units may want a bilingual officer, or a female officer, or someone with writing skills.

He gave the example of three retiring, transferred or promoted female officers moving out of the sexual assault child abuse section. The top three candidates in a ranking system may be men, not giving police the flexibility to adjust for a unit’s specific needs. There was no jumping the queue in the old system, and that often prevented staff from meeting “the needs of that section,” Bordeleau said.

It’s a move that has left some officers to wonder if those in charge will be cherry-picking candidates for jobs and if those who would be ranked as less-qualified in the old system will float to the surface of the new pool.

Officer criticisms about the policy as it previously existed included concerns about accountability. Staff sergeants could rank them according to job qualifications, but officers were worried that it was being done arbitrarily. Without having seen how the pools will work, officers are concerned that there won’t be any rules governing job selection.

Bordeleau disagreed: “There will be accountability.”

When an opening becomes available, those responsible for filling it will have to determine what skills they are looking for, and once they formally identify what those are, then go into the pool.

Police will also be structuring how senior officers back on patrol are to mentor their junior colleagues.

“We want to make sure that as these officers are coming back to patrol that it’s very clear and we’re maximizing the experience that they’ve gleaned to be able to share that with the other officers that they’re going to be mentoring,” Bordeleau said.

The policy will now mandate that anyone who accepts a tenured position finish 75 per cent of the time frame set for the job before moving to another unit. Police are evaluating whether the time frames associated with tenured positions, which range from three to 10 years for specialized units like identification and tactical, are still appropriate.

The proposal is also to have permanent positions in each unit.

Bordeleau said police will continue to review the policy on a regular basis. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Ottawa+police+rank+file+pooled+either+jobs/9624036/ story.html

Ottawa Police overtime $600K in red last year

Jon Willing Ottawa Sun March 20, 2014

Ottawa police ended 2013 with an overtime budget deficit of $600,000.

According to a report to the police services board, the two-year Project Anarchy drugs and guns investigation contributed to officers earning more OT hours last year. Requests to deploy the emergency services unit -- which responds to ground searches, protests and assists units in investigations -- also cranked up the OT bill, police say.

The budget for claims and legal fees also ended with a $1.4-million deficit and the budget for compensation costs and WSIB payments was in the hole $500,000. Of the compensation pressure, $200,000 was because of the arbitrated salary increases for 2011 and 2012.

On top of all that, the police force didn't get $100,000 it thought it would by selling collision reports. A good haul still came in, with police collecting $700,000 from selling the reports, which was $500,000 more than what the force received in 2012.

Despite the account deficits, police ended 2013 with a total operating surplus of $104,000.

The force can largely thank customers who order officers for events and who needed background checks. The paid duty budget ended with a $700,000 surplus and the budget for records clearance checks registered a $200,000 surplus.

While other revenue, such as money from paying secondments, helped balance the books, a spending freeze ordered by Chief Charles Bordeleau in October was crucial to keeping costs down. The freeze was implemented largely to offset legal costs and contributed to the force saving $800,000, the report says.

There were savings in facilities and fuel costs and a bit of a surplus in false alarm revenues to help push the force into the black.

The city assigned the police force a $1.3 million deficit from taxation accounts outside of the force's purview, but the city is covering the costs from the citywide surplus.

The police board will receive the financial report during a meeting Monday. http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/03/20/ottawa-police-overtime-600k-in-red-last-year

Police seek more Tasers

Guelph Mercury March 19, 2014

GUELPH—More front-line police officers in Guelph could have Tasers available to them later this year.

The Guelph Police Service is seeking approval for more of the stun-gun devices and the necessary training at Thursday's meeting of the Guelph Police Services Board.

Police want to add six more of the devices this year, with more added in the future, says the request prepared by Deputy Chief Jeff DeRuyter. The extra Tasers will be pooled to be used as needed.

Last August, the province announced that Tasers could be used by front-line officers. Tasers were first cleared for use in 2002, but only by frontline supervisors and officers on special tactical units.

Guelph Police currently have 24 Tasers available for use. In 2012, they were used 12 times and shown or demonstrated 10 other times.

Guelph Police anticipated buying more stun guns and included it in its 2014 budget.

"Our planned approach is to gradually expand CEWs (conducted energy weapons) in the GPS, with the goal to ensure that CEWs are readily available for deployment for officers responding to incidents in our community," says the report.

There are only currently two models of stun guns cleared for use by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, both under the brand name Taser.

The report heading to the Guelph Police Services Board says that newer devices are likely to receive approval from the province in the near future and that the Guelph Police will hold off on purchasing the new units pending the approval of newer models.

A total of 12 hours of training and community engagement prior to expanding Taser availability on police forces are part of the province's guidelines.

Last September Police Chief Bryan Larkin said the force will have to take into consideration the time and cost elements of training officers for use on Tasers as they move ahead.

Guelph Police say they will be engaging the public regarding stun guns as part of a wider dialogue on overall use of force options.

"While we have not yet finalized the details, we plan to hold an open house for the community on use of force in the next two months," DeRuyter wrote in his report.

No hard costs are cited in the report about the proposed expansion of the Taser inventory for this year and beyond.

The units each cost about $1,500, Larkin has said in the past.

The Guelph Police Association has also expressed its support for the proposed program expansion. http://www.orangeville.com/news-story/4420236-guelph-police-board-being-asked- thursday-to-approve-tasers-for-front-line-city-officers/

Turnout sparse at police forum

Wayne Lowrie Gananoque Reporter March 19, 2014

A public forum to solicit Gananoque residents' opinions about their police force attracted exactly one member of the public last week.

The meeting, organized by students who work with a Queen's University consulting group that is drafting a new “business plan” for the Gananoque Police Services, was held in the cavernous second floor of the Lou Jefferies Gananoque and TLTI Recreation Centre.

Coun. Bill Sheppard, a member of the Police Services Board, dropped by as an observer, not a participant, hoping to “blend in with the crowd.” He left as the discussion started. Despite the turnout, Aidan Wilks and Robert Tan, moderators of the forum, gamely sought the opinion of Don Matthews, bed and breakfast owner, prominent local volunteer and the sole member of the public to attend.

Matthews said the main problem is that most Gananoque residents don't know what the police department does.

“Unless they get stopped by a cruiser or end up on the wrong side of the law, most citizens don't have any idea of what goes on,” Matthews said.

Some of those problems could be solved by the department making better use of social media, he said. The Kingston Police Force has an excellent Facebook page that is regularly updated with road conditions, accident reports and other happenings, Matthews said. Gananoque should do the same.

Tan said that Gananoque Police Chief Garry Hull has a Twitter account that he uses frequently, but the department's Facebook page is largely dormant.

Matthews said he was able to take an information course offered by the Gananoque Police several years ago. The course was a real eye-opener, he said, with a guided tour of the station, briefings by officers and a general overview of how the department works. He suggested similar courses could be offered in the future.

“First of all, it was fascinating,” Matthews said of the course. “But it also made me feel quite safe, and quite well served by the service.”

Matthews said a common complaint of Gananoque residents is that police officers are not visible on the streets. But if the public realized that there are only 14 officers on the force, and only a few of them are on shift at any one time, then it might understand the visibility challenge, Matthews said. (The Gananoque Police Services is organized into four platoons that work two 12-hour shifts a day. It means that at any one time, there are an average of only three officers on duty, and the other half of the force is off. Often there is court or escort duty requiring officers to be out of town.)

The public forum was just one part of the process to develop a new business plan for the department, Wilks said. The students have circulated an online petition to solicit comments on the operation of the department. As well, they are doing face-to-face interviews with Gananoque residents at grocery stores and other high-traffic areas. They hope to collect the views of at least 150 members of the public.

“The surveys are to gauge how the police are perceived, what they are doing well, and the issues that are important to the public,” Wilks said.

They are also meeting with such other “stakeholder groups” as local schools, the Crown offices and victims' services. As well, the students are interviewing police officers and members of the Police Services Board.

The students will boil down the comments and survey answers into a report to the Police Services Board, which approve a new business plan.

Wilks said the business plan, which runs for three years, will provide the force with “measurable objections” for the department to meet.

Gananoque residents who want to participate in the survey, should go to www.gananoquepoliceservice.com/survey or can email Aidan Wilks at [email protected]. http://www.gananoquereporter.com/2014/03/19/turnout-sparse-at-police-forum

Quinte West policing costs could decrease

Ernst Kuglin The Intelligencer/Trentonian March 17, 2014

QUINTE WEST - City residents may not take a hit in the pocket book when it comes to paying for OPP services.

Finance director David Clazie told the police services board (PSB) Monday the city could receive a financial break when the controversial new billing model is approved in 2015.

The city's current police budget is $10.3 million. The cost per household is $565.

But when it came to providing a figure, Clazie wasn't about to go into specifics.

"It's still early in the process and I'm not ready to put estimates out there just yet," he said. "All I will say is that we anticipate a decrease."

Clazie said there are a lot of factors that will go into determining how much of a break, if any, the city will get when the new billing model is approved.

"It depends on what enhancements are built into our OPP contract, that go over and above calls for service and base cost for policing," he said.

Other municipalities won't be so lucky, as the provincial government moves the provincial police force into a full cost recovery mode.

OPP officials say the new model will level the playing field when it comes to paying the cost for policing.

PSB members watched a video presentation by Superintendent Rick Philbin, commander of the OPP's municipal policing bureau.

In the video, Philbin described the new billing model as fair and equitable by using a simple cost recovery method.

While municipalities will still have a choice, Philbin said municipal police services are more expensive.

Neighbouring municipalities could see a substantial increase in policing costs, warn local officials.

Centre-Hastings Reeve Owen Ketcheson told QMI Agency the cost of policing will increase from $220 to $370 per household.

Municipal leaders have taken the fight to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

PSB chairman Jim Alyea said he's sympathetic.

"We understand their concerns, and we are trying to work out something that's fair," said Alyea.

The Town of Penetanguishene forwarded a resolution supporting the new bill model to Quinte West. It was up for debate Monday.

It may not all be good news for Quinte West.

The city receives annual reimbursements from the province for what are known as provincial usuage fees. That's the cost of deploying detachment officers or specialized services, such as the canine unit, to the other jurisdictions.

Clazie said the city receives on average about $500,000 annually. That money is pumped straight into a policing reserve account.

"There is the possibility we could lose that, but it remains to be seen," he said.

Clazie did suggest the city, and other municipalities, could recover those costs through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. http://www.intelligencer.ca/2014/03/17/quinte-west-policing-costs-could-decrease

Police Services Board member not pleased distracted driving fines target only electronics

Mary Riley Kawartha Lakes This Week March 18, 2014

(LINDSAY) Kawartha Lakes Police Chief John Hagarty says the number of drivers he sees talking on cellphones is “significant” as he and the Police Services Board discussed increased fines that are effective as of March 18.

At Monday’s meeting (March 17), the members discussed correspondence from the Province advising the fine jumps from $125 to $225 for three Highway Traffic Act offences:

• Driving with display screen visible to the driver (such as a TV, computer or DVD player);

• Driving with a handheld communication device,

• Driving with a handheld entertainment device.

Upon conviction, that would be $280 with a $50 victim fine surcharge and a $5 court cost.)

Sal Polito asked how the law affects using GPS systems, but, his colleague Don Thomas, noted the law does not apply to a device that is mounted in the vehicle, such as a built- in GPS.

Chief Hagarty said looking at distracted driving in the extreme means that even fumbling with a radio or CD player, or eating a meal can contribute to distracted driving; anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. And, he noted, unlike seat belts, for which an alarm sounds to remind drivers to buckle up, no such device exists for cellphones.

“You can’t legislate stupidity,” commented board member Max Radiff.

Councillor Ron Ashmore, who is also on the board, asked if the police service/municipality could refuse to increase the fines and keep them at $125.

The chief and several board members explained the law has not changed, only the amount of the fines, which are set by the Province.

“Where does it end?” asked Coun. Ashmore. He pointed out there are many things that can cause distracted driving; that increasing fines for handheld devices targets only one area.

He said MP3 players, radios and “a host of things” are distracting drivers, not just cellphones.

READ MORE: Coun. Ashmore Makes Waves About Tasers After First Police Board Meeting

He wanted to know “who’s giving these orders...elected officials or some bureaucrat” in deciding to increase the fines.

Using a Bluetooth device to talk on the phone while driving is legal. But, Coun. Ashmore said, even that is a distraction, because “a person’s mind is focused on the conversation, not on the road.”

But, several board members said, “We can’t do anything about that.” http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4417575-police-services-board-member-not- pleased-distracted-driving-fines-target-only-electronics/

Taser use a divisive issue as cops gather 1,200 responses to public questionnaires

Danielle Bell Ottawa Sun March 17, 2014

It seems to be a mixed reaction so far to controverial Taser use as Ottawa police continue to reach out for reaction.

As the force debates putting more of the shock weapons into the hands of officers, they will also pore over some 1,200 surveys, as the public weighed on what they thought.

Monday marked the end of an online questionaire, which was geared toward getting a sense of what the public and community groups think about police expanding their Taser arsenal.

There are also nearly 700 surveys from Ottawa police officers themselves. While analysis of survey input is ongoing, it appears not everyone is on the same page.

That is on par with what the force has been hearing when it comes to Tasers.

"It's not one unified view around deployment, or expanded deployment," said Ottawa police Supt. Uday Jaswal, who is leading the Conducted Energy Weapon review team.

Common areas of comment or concern surround training, accountability and safeguards against overuse, as well as public perception of the shock weapons themselves.

Although the public are not police, the force said having civilians weigh in on CEWs is just as important.

"It's about public trust and public confidence in the police service," said Jaswal. "That's also useful to us."

Police are still gathering feedback from other community groups and stakeholders on their thoughts on Tasers.

One of the groups that offered their perspective was the Ontario Civil Liberties Association.

They would like to see increased police training around de-escalating conflict before more Tasers are doled out, especially in the wake of the deadly police shooting of Sammy Yatim in Toronto in July.

"Our basic position is that the focus is in the wrong place," said Joseph Hickey, with the Ontario Civil Liberties Association.

"The answer is not more weapons. It should be more public scrutiny of police training. What we really need is accountability that comes from transparency."

The group also would have liked to see a more "town hall" types of meeting, where the public can discuss and ask questions.

Ottawa police have had CEW's in their arsenal since 2000.

Last August, the province announced it would allow expanded use of Tasers. Currently, only frontline supervisors and the tactical unit carry Tasers at Ottawa police.

The consultation process also includes interviews, presentations and even ride-alongs.

A report on local issues and Taser use is expected in April. http://www.ottawasun.com/2014/03/17/taser-use-a-divisive-issue---as-cops-gather- 1200-responses-to-public-questionairres

Toronto Police Services Board ends free background checks for city hires

Patty Winsa The Star March 20, 2014

Toronto could be on the hook for more than $90,000 a year after the police board ended a longtime agreement to provide the city with free “vulnerable sector” screenings for new hires.

About 1,500 to 1,800 people hired by the city are required to get the in-depth background checks annually, and the force has been waiving the now $50-plus processing fee since 1999.

The board made the decision Thursday in the wake of intense criticism over how long it was taking the force to complete vulnerable-sector screenings , which are conducted for school boards, agencies, the city, other police forces and anyone else who is hiring employees that work with children, youth or vulnerable adults.

“What we’re saying is, up until now, people who are applying for jobs and volunteer positions with the city or city agencies did not have to pay the fee that everybody else has to pay,” said Toronto Police Services Board chair Alok Mukherjee. “As of now, they won’t be treated any differently.”

The board tried to pass a similar motion a couple of years ago, but Mukherjee says members backed down after a city manager said it would cost the city a significant sum. “They were not prepared to take on any more cost at that time,” Mukherjee said, so the board agreed to temporarily continue the exemption.

In January this year, the force had a backlog of 16,947 screenings. That number is now about 11,000, Deputy Police Chief Mark Saunders told the board Thursday. The service receives about 200 new applications each day.

Board members passed a motion to start charging the city in June, and required “that those funds be used to bolster the timeliness of conducting background checks.” Mukherjee says he doesn’t know how much it will save the service.

All screenings are done through the force’s Police Reference Check Program , which has 21 civilian employees.

The city requires the checks for new hires who work in contact with children or vulnerable adults in departments such as parks and recreation services or long-term- care homes.

Up until 2012, some city employees could start jobs before the background checks were complete.

But that changed after it was discovered that Christopher Husbands, who was charged that year in the Eaton Centre shooting incident, had been working at the after-school recreation program at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse while out on bail and under house arrest awaiting trial for a sex-assault charge.

Now, the city makes a conditional offer of employment and waits until the reference check is complete, which takes, on average, six to eight weeks, says Brad Salavich, a senior policy consultant who works in the city’s human resources division.

Returning city employees who have been screened previously aren’t required to go through the process again.

The board also passed a motion asking Police Chief Bill Blair to investigate whether the force should create a two-tiered system, offering faster screenings for a higher fee. http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/20/toronto_police_services_board_ends_f ree_background_checks_for_city_hires.html

Chief De Caire should resign, says Steve Mesic's father-in-law

Samantha Craggs CBC News March 18, 2014

People have no respect for Hamilton’s police service anymore, and its chief should resign, says the angry father-in-law of a man fatally shot by officers last year.

During a raucous police services board meeting on Monday, Dorr cited numerous cases of officers charged while Glenn De Caire has been chief. That means he should resign, Dorr said.

De Caire’s contract expires at the end of 2014, and he will not seek its renewal. But Dorr wants De Caire gone even earlier. He also wants De Caire to release unedited incident reports related to the fatal June 7 shooting of his son-in-law, Steve Mesic.

“That’s all we want from you before you leave, and hopefully it’s soon,” Dorr said.

About 25 people listened from the gallery, calling out “liar!” and “murderers!” as De Caire attempted to respond to Dorr. “Members of the Hamilton Police Service in their work every day go out to protect our community,” De Caire said before being stopped by Vice-chair Walt Juchniewicz following shouting from the audience.

VJuchniewicz adjourned the meeting for five minutes to restore order. Many in the audience were friends or family of other people killed by police, such as Phonesay Chanthachack and Andreas Unkerskov-Chinnery.

“It’s time for (the chief) to leave,” Dorr said afterward. “Everything’s happening on his watch.”

Dorr cited several cases of police misconduct. Among them was Sgt. Derek Mellor, who worked with the service’s anti-human trafficking initiative. He recently pleaded guilty to Police Services Act charges related to having sexual relations and sending lewd messages to sex workers and people connected to cases.

Last year, Inspector David Doel retired in the midst of a misconduct hearing related to 14 Police Services Act charges. He was suspended with pay for four years.

“There is no respect for the police force anymore,” he said.

Dorr also takes issue with a private February meeting where the board voted – not unanimously — to edit the report of the Mesic incident before releasing it to the media. De Caire maintains this is necessary for several reasons, including that it contains medical information about people involved.

The Special Investigations Unit investigated the Mesic incident and found the officers not at fault. The coroner is holding an inquest later this year.

The Mesic and Dorr families have been attending every police services board meeting since last September. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/chief-de-caire-should-resign-says- steve-mesic-s-father-in-law-1.2577197

Thunder Bay Police Service rebranding soon

Matt Vis tbnewswatch.com March 18, 2014

The local police service is about to rebrand how they patrol the city.

Thunder Bay Police Service chief J.P. Levesque says he expects the long-awaited shift to zone policing to roll out in the coming months.

This new policing model will see the city divided into five zones. Officers will be assigned to each zone in hopes they can become more familiar with the specific area they're responsible for.

“We’re hoping people will be familiar with the officers dedicated to working their area and that’s a big piece,” Levesque said after Tuesday’s police services board meeting at the Balmoral Police Station.

“When I first started on the job, that’s the way it was. You worked in the zone and got to know the business people, the people who live in their area and we’re trying to rebranding ourselves a little bit.”

The new system was expected already be in place, but the chief admits required policy reviews and officers adapting to a new 12-hour schedule led to some delays.

To help with the revamp patrol cars will be outfitted with tablets, giving officers new ways to communicate with zone supervisors.

Dictating reports while still in the cruiser will also be possible. http://www.tbnewswatch.com/news/328817/Force-rebranding

City councillors push for proposal to police Brant County

Vincent Ball Brantford Expositor March 18, 2014

City and Brant County officials soon may have something else to talk about instead of boundaries.

City councillors voted in favour of talking about policing as a shared-service between the two municipalities with Brantford police providing service to Brant County on a fee-for- service.

The issue was raised this week by Coun. Richard Carpenter.

"I think it's worth looking at," he said.

Carpenter's motion calls for the Brantford police services board to come up with a proposal to police Brant County.

Coun. Dan McCreary said he agrees the issue is worth discussing. But he noted that it was dismissed by county official when raised at a shared services committee meeting involving city and Brant representatives.

McCreary suggested that the issue be raised again at the shared services committee.

But Mayor Chris Friel said that the shared services committee had been disbanded.

Councillors voted to have the question raised at an upcoming meeting of the police board and to see about resurrecting the shared services committee to discuss the issue further.

"This at least asks the question and starts the process," Coun. Dave Wrobel said of the resolution endorsed by councillors. "We can ask our board to lay out some parameters."

At present, the county has a contract for policing with the Ontario Provincial Police, which has been serving Brant since the municipality amalgamated into a single-tier municipality in 1999. Prior to amalgamation, Paris was policed by its own force, while the rest of the county was policed by the OPP.

However, a municipality, by law, can have only one police service. And, while there were some discussions with respect to an arrangement between Brantford and Brant County, county officials decided to disband the Paris police service and negotiated a contract with the OPP. http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2014/03/18/city-councillors-push-for-proposal-to- police-brant-county

Police carding loses its sting: Editorial

Richard Lautens Toronto Star March 16, 2014

The Toronto Police Services Board has made commendable progress in the last two years curtailing the use of carding, the controversial police practice of stopping people on the street and collecting personal information. This trend was reinforced on Thursday by the release of a draft policy that limits when and how officers stop individuals who are not suspected of any crime.

The new rules, to be finalized by the police oversight body on April 10, do not ban carding, as civil libertarians and the Black Action Defence Committee have demanded. Nor do they go as far as the Star would like to see. But they are vast improvement over excessive and discriminatory carding that prevailed from 2000 to 2012.

Most of the credit belongs to Alok Mukherjee, chair of the seven-member board. He responded positively to a Toronto Star investigation showing that officers filed hundreds of thousands of cards year, disproportionately stopping young black young men. Police Chief Bill Blair, who long defended carding as an indispensable tool, has shown welcome flexibility of late. He has indicated his willingness to implement the procedures set out in the draft policy. And Frank Addario, the criminal lawyer hired by the board to draft the new policy, did an estimable job.

At the operational level, deputy police chief Peter Sloly has reduced carding by 90 per cent in the last year. What was once a raw sore in the black community is now a treatable wound.

Under the policy released last week, police officers would be required to inform tell people they approached that they are free to leave (unless they are detained or arrested). They would be trained to use “respectful language” in a non-intimidating way in these encounters. And those in leadership positions would ensure that street checks are not used as a “pretext” to get the information police need to detain an individual.

The information collected by officers would be entered anonymously into statistical database to be analyzed for racial patterns, used for setting professional standards and evaluating the performance of police officers, but kept out of the database used for criminal investigations. Officers would be measured on the quality – not the quantity – of their interactions.

Efforts to train police officers “the value of disengagement and the value of rights knowledge,” as Addario recommends, have produced disappointing results. To give this policy teeth, Blair would have to link the way officers behave on the street to their eligibility for promotion. Supervisors would have to monitor their interactions rigorously. And people who complained about being targeted would have to see their concerns being taken seriously.

Welcome as this new policy is, the Star would like to see an explicit requirement that the police to purge their files of personal information not required for investigative purposes within five years of its collection. (The police board has suggested seven years.) We would like to see the criteria used for performance evaluations changed, making clear the number of names an officer collects will no longer be used as a basis for promotion. And we would like some assurance that the policy will deter street cops from questioning black youth who have done nothing wrong. This is the wrong way to do community policing, the wrong way to treat innocent citizens and the wrong way to wrong way to make the city’s streets safer.

There is still time for Torontonians to comment. A public meeting on the draft policy will be held at police headquarters on April 8.

As it stands, the plan is a step in the right direction and the attitude of Blair and his deputies is encouraging. http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2014/03/16/police_carding_loses_its_sting _editorial.html#

Battle lines are clear at the Toronto Police Services Board 114

Sue-Ann Levy Toronto Sun March 15, 2014

TORONTO - It started in 2011 when a few members of the Police Services Board — vice- chairman Michael Thompson and Frances Nunziata — had the unmitigated gall to tell Chief Bill Blair to cut 10% from his $930-million 2012 budget.

To the chief’s consternation, they stuck to their guns and, in the course of that, managed to convince chairman Alok Mukherjee to find the religion of fiscal restraint as well.

When the 2013 negotiations rolled around, Blair was asked to reduce his demands by $19 million to bring his budget down to the same 0% increase demanded of all city departments.

Absolutely livid at the time, he produced 27 pages of excuses as to why he couldn’t meet city hall’s budget demands and engaged in usual, now laughable, threats of reduced response times.

But, a strange thing happened. Unlike during the David Miller years when the board would cave to his threats, Thompson, Nunziata and Mukherjee held firm.

When questions as to whether the chief should have taken charge of Project Brazen 2, given the findings about Mayor Rob Ford (an investigation Blair handed oversight of to the OPP two weeks ago) and board member Andy Pringle’s fishing trip to New Brunswick with the chief came to light, tension among board members grew.

But, the tipping point really came in the past month with Blair’s future as the force’s head in question. The chief must let the board know by next month whether he wants to pursue another five-year contract renewal.

When Thompson dared comment publicly last month about the high cost of the police service and the fact he would not support a renewal of Blair’s contract, two of his board colleagues — Dr. Dhun Noria and Marie Moliner (both provincial appointees) — instigated a Code of Conduct complaint against him. On Feb. 13, the board voted to pursue that complaint.

Last week, Thompson retaliated by applying for a judicial review of that board decision, using Clayton Ruby as his lawyer.

Police service board members have now firmly taken sides, perceived as being either pro-Bill Blair or anti-chief, said one board source who did not want to be identified.

Sources say it is pretty clear — from the debate and votes at each meeting — that Nunziata, Thompson and Mukherjee are consistent in their questioning of the chief’s actions while Noria, Moliner and Pringle regularly vote in his favour. Mike Del Grande considers himself the deciding vote, opting to support the chief on some issues and not on others.

Perhaps one might call it the battle of the lapdogs vs. the watchdogs.

It is interesting to note the chief was conspicuous in his absence from this past Thursday’s board meeting when the controversial agenda items included: issues of “carding,” nearly 50% of police staffers being on the 2013 Sunshine list (if one adds the 756 who made more than $100,000 from pay duty services) and consulting contracts. Blair was back on Friday.

Mukherjee said the chief had a previous commitment and he couldn’t get all board members to agree to a different meeting date.

“There are board members who are really tight with the chief ... you can tell by their comments that the chief never does anything wrong,” said Nunziata. “They never ask questions.”

She believes some board members don’t like that she and Thompson are challenging the chief on spending issues. That is their responsibility, she insists, because the police budget consists almost exclusively of tax dollars.

Thompson, in a lengthy interview last week, said he is continually frustrated that Blair and his team do not accept the need for cuts and every time they ask the chief for a model to reduce costs, there is a “great deal of fighting.

“They talk about it but talk is cheap,” he said. “Action is what’s needed.”

Thompson said there has always been “great pushback” by Blair and his team to share costly services like IT, legal and purchasing functions with the city — even though both Toronto Community Housing Corporation and the TTC have not only bought into the concept, but are now sharing a range of services with the city.

“I’m not seeing real signs that things are going to change,” he said. “That’s part of my frustration and the frustration of others.”

Nunziata said she couldn’t understand why Thompson was muzzled by her colleagues because all of the comments he made were based on publicly discussed issues.

“We are asked to keep our mouths shut on everything,” she said. “I don’t understand.”

Thompson would not comment on the judicial review or the Code of Conduct complaint.

But, he insisted he’s on the board is to “provide oversight.

“I’m not trying to ingratiate myself with anyone,” he said, adding the oversight by some of his colleagues “leaves a lot to be desired.

“There are some people who warm the bench,” Thompson said, adding he often feels like he’s taking “one step forward and 20 back” trying to deal with the police organization.

Asked about Pringle’s fishing trip with the chief, he said he would have “not governed himself in that fashion.”

Nunziata said she’s the biggest supporter of police services but didn’t think it was “appropriate” either.

For his part, Pringle referred me to a March 3 letter to Mukherjee in which he contends that he believed the spring 2012 trip would allow him to “develop a closer professional relationship” with the chief and allow him to “discuss better business practices” in an informal environment.

He attached an opinion to the letter from corporate governance expert David Beatty, who said the offsite trip with the chief “was an example of good governance practice.”

Mukherjee said there’s always “hindsight” but, at the time of trip, they felt they needed to have as many conversations as possible to create “consensus” with the chief to make spending cuts.

“It was in that context that Mr. Pringle felt if he could engage the chief in some very nuts and bolts business talk ... without any distraction, he might be able to move him further,” Mukherjee said.

While he acknowledges there are different perspectives on the board about how to hold the chief accountable, he won’t pretend that recent events haven’t affected relationships, Mukherjee insisted the two camps on the board aren’t warring.

He said the board rarely votes “in a split way” when important issues come up in both public and private sessions.

Mukherjee said this year will be full of priorities like another round of bargaining, more budget debate and possibly a “succession issue” (meaning the question of the chief’s future.)

“I need for people to respect each other’s differences, fight, scream whatever they need to do but at the end focus on the work they need to get done,” he said. “They have been doing that so far.”

Thompson is adamant that he intends to continue to be a police watchdog.

“I want people to understand I can’t simply accept the fact that it’s going to be business as usual ... and you just sit there and do nothing about it,” he added. http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/15/battle-lines-are-clear-at-the-toronto-police- services-board

Region getting safer: police

Jerome Lessard and Ernst Kuglin The Intelligencer/Trentonian March 14, 2014

Local and provincial police force officials are taking crime rate statistics released in MoneySense magazine's Canada’s best places to live in 2014 ranking with a grain of salt.

The annual exercise ranks Belleville at 132 out of 201, down from last year's spot at 124. St. Albert in Alberta took the top spot, while Ottawa moved down slightly to fourth place with Kingston sliding to 11.

The full rankings for Belleville – note statistics are for the census agglomeration area (Quinte) as determined by Census Canada, not just the city – can be found online at www.moneysense.ca.

The biggest issues for Belleville are crime and health care.

The area ranked 150th in crimes per thousand people, 162nd on the crime severity index and 163rd on the violent crime severity index.

These are police-reported crime statistics for 2010 collected by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics and reflect reported crime that has been substantiated by police.

“This is regional, right? So I can't speak for all our neighbouring services,” said Belleville police Chief Cory McMullan. “The OPP is obviously a significant contributor to the area, but I can say that the crime rate and crime severity in Belleville are decreasing significantly.”

Statistics Canada states actual crimes fluctuated up and down annually in Belleville from 1998 to 2009. The agency has yet to release the 2013 crime statistics, which McMullan expects in July.

“The crime rate in Belleville has seen a positive downward trend since 2009,” she said. “The overall crime severity index decreased 13.7 per cent between 2010 and 2011 and 4.5 per cent between 2011 and 2012 for a total decrease of 18.2 per cent over two years.”

Statistics provided to the police services board in January showed reported crime in the city over the last quarter of 2013 dropped by 177 incidents when compared to the year prior, with 1,309 crimes reported, down from the 1,486 reported in 2012's final three months.

The chief, who is currently putting the final touch to her crime statistics report for 2013, noted the decreasing trend of actual crime calls in the city continued in 2013.

“This means actual crime calls have continually decreased from 2009 to 2013 in Belleville,” she said.

She added Belleville police “always” encourage residents to report any crime, no matter how minor it is.

“We've started providing a variety of resources including our website (www.police.belleville.on.ca) where someone can go on and report it electronically,” she said.

Like McMullan, the OPP encourages residents to report all crimes in order for the provincial force to have a full picture of what's happening in Quinte West and in Prince Edward and Hastings Counties.

Quinte West OPP Insp. Mike Reynolds said crime rates are dropping in the city.

"I find the overall report a bit ambiguous," he said. "I really can't speak to their methodology when it comes to determining violent or crime severity indexes."

The bottom line, added Reynolds, is that over the past five years there has been a downward trend in crime and calls for service.

The detachment's 2013 crime report states aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, robbery, theft over 5,000 and break and enter have decreased from 2012. The same trend took place when comparing major crime categories in 2011 and 2010.

The city has averaged one homicide annually over the past five years. There were no homicides in 2013 and two in 2012.

Reynolds said that's only a snapshot and doesn't break down individual categories and factors that result in crime trends.

"We are always looking at the issues and see where we can address some of the problems," he said.

It's one of the reasons, he said, why the detachment is hosting a Building Safe Communities conference March 27 in Batawa. http://www.intelligencer.ca/2014/03/14/region-getting-safer-police

What they were paid in 2013

QMI Agency March 19, 2014

A Treasurer's Report notes that Bradford West Gwillimbury Council was paid a total of $194,972.32, plus mileage, special meeting remuneration and expenses.

Mayor Doug White received remuneration of $36,124.36 plus a $3000 mileage allowance, $540 for internet services, $600 for special meetings, $950 in conference per diems, $14,275.16 for attendance at the County of Simcoe, $700 for sitting on the Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Services Board, and $1,900 for sitting on the Police Services Board, for a total of $58,089.52. He also claimed $4,091 in expenses.

Deputy Mayor Rob Keffer received remuneration of $26,037.44, plus a $1,500 mileage allowance, $540 for internet, $500 for special meetings, $16,325.20 for attendance at County Council, and a total of $1,518.42 from the NVCA (per diems and mileage) for a total of $46,421.06. He claimed $1,471.68 in expenses.

Councillor Del Crake received $17,767.71 in remuneration, $1,500 in mileage, $540 for internet, $400 for special meetings, $400 in conference per diems, and a total of $1007.36 from the LSRCA, for a total of $21,615.07. He claimed $3,943.97 in expenses.

Councillor James Leduc received remuneration of $18,414.49, plus $1,500 mileage, $540 for internet, $200 for special meetings, $850 for conference per diems, for a total of $21,504.49. He claimed $3,651.95 in expenses.

Co. Peter Dykie Jr. received $20,464.22 in remuneration, plus $1,500 mileage, $540 internet, $300 for attending special meetings, $300 for conferences, for a total of $23,104.22. He claimed $1,649.85 in expenses.

Co. Ronald Simpson received $19,978.86 in remuneration, plus $1,500 mileage, $540 internet, $1000 for special meetings, and $800 for conference attendance, for a total of $23,818.86. He claimed $3531.16 in expenses.

Co. Carl Hordyk received remuneration of $19,467.85 plus $1,500 mileage, $540 internet, $600 for special meetings, $975 for conferences, a $1000 honorarium for sitting on the Library Board, for a total of $24,082.85. He claimed expenses of $3,796.69.

Co. Raj Sandhu received $18,391.80 in remuneration, plus $1,500 mileage, $540 internet services, $500 special meetings, $850 conferences, for a total of $21,781.80. He claimed $4,842.66 in expenses.

Co. Gary Lamb received $18,325.59 in remuneration, plus $1,500 mileage, $540 internet, $300 for Special meetings, and $700 for sitting on the HMDS Joint Municipal

Services Board, for a total of $21,365.59. He claimed $667.94 in expenses, and did not claim any conference expenses.

Other payments include a total of $4,400 to 7 other members of the HMDS Joint Municipal Services Board, $6,000 to 6 members of the Library Board, and a total of $5,470 to 5 members of the Committee of Adjustment, who also claimed a total of $1,383.89 in expenses. http://www.bradfordtimes.ca/2014/03/13/what-they-were-paid-in-2013

Toronto police board chair acknowledges ‘intense’ disagreements

Ann Hui The Globe And Mail March 14 2014

Toronto Police Services Board chair Alok Mukherjee says the organization has not lost its ability to function, despite recent controversy – including one of its own members taking legal action against the board.

Mr. Mukherjee spoke to reporters at a board meeting Thursday after months of controversy surrounding the organization.

“I need for people to respect each other’s differences.

“Fight, scheme, whatever they need to do – but in the end, focus on the work that they need to do,” Mr. Mukherjee said.

“So far, they have been doing that.”

Still, he acknowledged that there have been “intense” disagreements between members recently.

“Sometimes they take nasty forms, like [Clayton] Ruby bringing out this judicial review,” he said – a reference to vice-chair Michael Thompson’s lawyer and legal action against the board.

But, Mr. Mukherjee said, “this board is dealing with important issues both in public and private, with a great deal of effectiveness.”

Earlier this week, Mr. Thompson revealed that he’s brought legal action against the board for a closed-door vote in which it found him in “potential breach” of the code of conduct.

This was in reference to comments he made to media in opposition of extending Chief Bill Blair’s contract.

Mr. Mukherjee also addressed another controversy involving one of the board’s members, Andy Pringle.

Mayor Rob Ford and his brother have been critical of a fishing trip that Mr. Pringle took with Chief Blair several years ago.

The Ford brothers argue that the trip constitutes a conflict of interest.

Mr. Pringle says there is no conflict of interest.

But Mr. Mukherjee said that Mr. Pringle’s “heart was in the right place” when he invited Chief Blair to go fishing with him.

The trip, he said, happened amidst difficult negotiations over the budget.

“It was in that context that Mr. Pringle thought that if he had a weekend with the chief,” Mr. Mukherjee said, “he might be able to move [discussions] a bit further.”

Mr. Pringle has since recused himself from all board discussions involving the Fords.

Mr. Mukherjee says this will not cause problems for the board.

“I need four votes to make a decision,” he said of the seven-member board.

“I have six.” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/police-services-board-chair-plays- down-public-sniping-among-members/article17491696/

Toronto police board to unveil draft carding policy on Thursday

Patty Winsa Toronto Star March 13, 2014

The public will get its first glimpse of a draft policy on police carding at a board meeting Thursday.

Lawyer Frank Addario, who was hired to create the policy by the Toronto Police Services Board in December, will present the draft and describe the general principles behind the document, as well as the months of work that went into the process.

But the first-ever policy on the controversial police practice is not finalized and will be the subject of a full public airing at a special board meeting on April 8.

Police board chair Alok Mukherjee said complaints from an outside lawyer that the board should have released the document in advance of the meeting were unfounded. “At the end, it’s a policy not for lawyers. It’s a policy to keep the community safe,” said a frustrated Mukherjee, who added that work on the document will most likely continue right until the meeting.

“I come from that community. I know my friend’s family who has suffered in the past,” he said. “I want, at least, to do non-discriminatory policing. And that’s what members of the community care about. This is not to give more business to lawyers.”

Lawyer Paul Copeland, of the Law Union of Ontario, has criticized the board for not releasing the draft document, and the scope of Addario’s assignment, before the meeting.

Mukherjee says Addario conducted research, spoke to legal experts and community members, as well as social scientists, and met several times with the board. Police Chief Bill Blair and the Toronto Police Association have also read the two-page document, which contains an evaluation component to gauge the effectiveness of the policy once it’s in place.

“We talked to some really good social scientists to get their sense of how you put in a solid community-based accountability piece, to be able to know whether the policy and the procedures, the training and the practices that flow from the policy, are having an impact or not,” said Mukherjee.

“It’s pretty detailed and it will set out some principles and some objectives which the service will be required to follow in developing its procedures,” he said.

Addario says the board decided to make the policy public this week to encourage informed submissions before the larger meeting. His presentation will be sandwiched into a packed meeting agenda.

The action by the police board follows several Toronto Star investigations showing that black-skinned people, and to a lesser extent brown-skinned people, are disproportionately stopped and documented by police in what are typically non-criminal encounters.

As a result, Toronto Police undertook an internal investigation of the practice and instituted some changes in procedures and training. Deputy Chief Peter Sloly recently said carding in Toronto is down 90 per cent compared with this time last year. The board is still moving ahead with the policy.

“We didn’t want this to go on,” said Mukherjee. “In the board’s mind, there is a commitment that we should have a policy in place before the coming summer, when things tend to heat up.”

Mukherjee was referring to the police service’s Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy, which deploys officers in at-risk neighbourhoods over the summer. The Star found officers in TAVIS had the highest black carding rate of any police unit. http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/03/13/toronto_police_board_to_unveil_draft _carding_policy_on_thursday.html

Toronto police shouldn’t stop carding, lawyer says

The Canadian Press March 13, 2014

About 80 people gathered at a board meeting Thursday to get a look at the first draft policy on police carding – collecting personal information from people and adding it to an internal database.

Lawyer Frank Addario, who was hired to create the policy by the Toronto Police Services Board in December, said he was not in favour of ending carding.

He said that would just drive bad practices underground, adding that carding has fallen dramatically – 83 or 90 per cent – in the past year.

The draft report says procedures need to be developed that would ensure compliance with human rights laws, such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Ontario Human Rights Code and municipal laws.

“Eliminating carding would be simplistic. It would not improve the police service’s reputation or public trust. Instead, it would frustrate the board’s oversight function and affect their ability to communicate with the community,” he said.

Addario consulted several sources to draft the policy, like Toronto police and Toronto Police Association, social scientists, lawyers and community members, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Jamil Jivani of the Policing Literary Initiative says it is much more admirable to advance the policy of carding than to simply change it.

“It’s important for officers to make people feel that it’s not their identity or the way they look that is the reason they are being stopped,” Jivani said.

There was little discussion and some members of the public were dismayed they couldn’t get a glimpse at the draft policy.

It was placed on the Toronto Police Services Board website after the meeting was underway, and there were fewer than 30 hard copies available.

Addario expects the full final policy to be upheld for examination at a special board meeting on April 8, where the public can submit feedback orally, and adopted on April 10.

For now, people can submit feedback in writing to the board.

Police board chair Alok Mukherjee said while the board would like the policy to be finalized in April, they will not tie themselves to the exact date of April 10. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-police-shouldnt-stop-carding- lawyer-says/article17487284/

Amherstburg begins search for new deputy police chief

Julie Kotsis The Windsor Star March 13, 2014

Amherstburg’s deputy police chief is preparing for the next phase in his life – retirement – after serving across Ontario during a 30-year policing career, including 10 challenging years working undercover.

When Pat Palumbo turns in his badge a year from now, it will be the end of a notable career that included pursuing the underbelly of society – drug dealers, gun runners and organized crime – and 16 years spent in the community where he grew up.

“I’ve pretty much done everything I wanted to do,” said the 55-year-old Palumbo, who was hired by the Ontario Provincial Police in 1984, after working for a couple years as a probation officer.

Palumbo was born and raised in Amherstburg, graduated from General Amherst high school and went on to earn degrees from Carleton and the University of Windsor.

His 10-year-stint with the OPP’s special services drug enforcement section had him assume the persona of a drug dealer — complete with long hair, beard, earrings and tattoos — to help him infiltrate drug trafficking networks.

“It was interesting work,” the now clean-cut Palumbo said, of the dangerous work that included setting up wire taps. “You gotta know what you’re dealing with.”

But he admits the job – 10 days on, four days off at the time – was tough, especially on an officer’s personal life. He credits a supportive family with helping him continue until he felt it was time to move on.

Palumbo left the OPP in 1999 to work in his hometown of Amherstburg, where he started a training program for officers to upgrade and expand their skills.

“You’re true generalist constables (in Amherstburg),” he said. “It’s grassroots policing at its best.”

“We’ve worked together … by the time he’s done, about 16 years,” said Police Chief Tim Berthiaume. “Pat is originally from town and so he’s always had a personal commitment to the community that he’s served. It’s sad to see him go, like it is with most of our retirees because they’re more than your colleague, they become friends of yours, family.”

Berthiaume and Palumbo were both constables who climbed the ranks almost simultaneously.

“When I was promoted to chief (in 2010), he was promoted to deputy chief so we’ve worked very closely together for many years,” Berthiaume said.

The Amherstburg Police Services Board has begun advertising provincewide for Palumbo’s position. The deadline to apply is May 2.

Berthiaume said the board will consider both internal and external candidates.

“We want to start the process and identify the successful candidate before the year’s end because we want to have an overlap between the two deputies for a short period of time,” Berthiaume said.

In the meantime, Palumbo is looking forward to the next phase of his life, although he doesn’t have any plans yet but says he may look for something else to do – but not in the policing field.

“I would encourage people who need people to sit on committees to give Pat a call,” Berthiaume said with a laugh. “We wish him the best. We’re going to miss him.” http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2014/03/13/amherstburg-begins-search-for-new-deputy- police-chief/

Police Services Board announces Chief of Police search

SooToday.com March 13, 2014

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE POLICE SERVICE

************************* The Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board is pleased to announce that the formal process for the selection of a Chief of Police is now underway.

The Board is searching for an experienced law enforcement executive, equipped with leadership skills to energize, motivate, and guide a complement of 137 sworn personnel and 43 full-time professional support staff.

Working with the Police Services Board, staff, volunteers, the Police Association, and the community, our new Chief will continue to enhance the creditability of the Service, building partnerships to provide effective, coordinated solutions to issues of concern.

To assist the Board in the selection process, the search firm of Odgers Berndtson has been engaged.

Chair Ian MacKenzie noted that, Odgers Berndtson has assisted other Boards in the appointment of senior police executives across Canada.

Selection will be based on qualifications developed through a review of the needs of the Service and the Community. http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/details.asp?c=69932

With no successor, county Police Services Board chairmanship will rotate to host communities

Desmond Devoy Carleton Place Almonte Canadian Gazette March 13, 2014

Derek Love, chair of the police services boards in Lanark County, threw down the gauntlet and no one picked it up.

As such, the chairmanship of the Lanark County Police Services Board (PSB) will now rotate around the county, to whichever municipality happens to be hosting it. The host

40 municipality will now provide an acting chair for the meeting, as well as supplying a secretary.

The plan, however, was not without its critics.

"When you are changing from one area to another, to another, to another, we may find some inefficiencies," said George Braithwaite of the Lanark Highlands PSB, during the county PSB meeting at the Tay Valley Township municipal offices in Glen Tay on Wednesday, March 5. "We should be under no delusions that this is the secondbest option. It is a burden that the host community has to chair."

Grant Chaplin of Mississippi Mills also had "some concerns about records management and continuity of records management," particularly storage, retention of motions, and resolutions.

"Since I have been here, maybe we have had one, maybe two, motions," said Cynthia

Moyles, secretary of the Beckwith Township PSB.

"This was only meant to be a discussion group," said Carleton Place fire chief Les Reynolds.

"It has no power to act or do anything."

On a more practical level, Tay Valley Township PSB secretary Amanda Mabo suggested: "We could use a USB stick that rotated with each municipality."

"Until somebody loses it," joked Reynolds. "I'd recommend making two (USBs)." Love had just come to the end of his second term as chair of the county group, and was seeking a replacement, which didn't happen.

The next meeting will be held in Perth on June 4, and will be chaired by Stephanie Gray.

Farewell Mississippi Mills PSB The Mississippi Mills PSB is no more, but Chaplin, the former chair of that board, was in attendance nonetheless - as the chair of Mississippi Mills' new Community Policing Advisory Council (CPAC), seeking to continue on membership in the county PSB association.

"I asked them to come, personally," said Love. "Does anyone have any problems with them being part of the board?" Not a single delegation objected. "I, for one, welcome them with open arms," said Neil Fennell, chair of Tay Valley Township's PSB.

Mississippi Mills Mayor John Levi explained, "We had 325,000 reasons for doing so," converting to a CPAC, "to lower the costs of policing. We wanted to continue with a PSB, but we couldn't say no to a gift of money."

Carleton Place also welcomed its northern neighbour back into the fold, but Reynolds requested that "an invitation should be extended to Drummond/North Elmsley Township," which does not have a PSB, and is not a part of the county body.

"We are still paying our due to OAPSB (Ontario Association of Police Services Boards) and federally, as though we were a PSB," said Chaplin. http://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/4410937-with-no-successor-county- police-services-board-chairmanship-will-rotate-to-host-communities/

Toronto Police Services Board ends free background checks for city hires

Patty Winsa Toronto Star March 20, 2014

Toronto could be on the hook for more than $90,000 a year after the police board ended a longtime agreement to provide the city with free “vulnerable sector” screenings for new hires.

About 1,500 to 1,800 people hired by the city are required to get the in-depth background checks annually, and the force has been waiving the now $50-plus processing fee since 1999.

All screenings are done through the force’s Police Reference Check Program, which has 21 civilian employees.

The city requires the checks for new hires who work in contact with children or vulnerable adults in departments such as parks and recreation services or long-term- care homes.

Up until 2012, some city employees could start jobs before the background checks were complete.

Returning city employees who have been screened previously aren’t required to go through the process again.

Chief embarrassed by mayor's comment at BBQ

Peterborough This Week March 21, 2014

PETERBOROUGH -- It isn't unusual for Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett to lighten the mood of meetings or social gatherings with a joke.

Still, Peterborough-Lakefield Police Chief Murray Rodd didn't appreciate his effort when it was at his expense during a United Way barbecue to kick off the City's corporate fundraising campaign back in September.

The issue came up during the 12th day of an Ontario Civilian Police Commission inquiry to determine whether the mayor has violated the code of conduct on the police services board.

As part of its case, counsel for the commission says the mayor made an inappropriate comment about the chief at the barbecue.

According to Chief Rodd, the mayor was nearly finished wrapping up his remarks at the barbecue when he said, "The most important thing is, Murray, did you get enough to eat?"

With more than 100 people in attendance, Chief Rodd says the comment embarrassed him.

The chief and the mayor sat on opposite ends of the spectrum throughout late 2011 and 2012 when the City and police services board were at an impasse over the service's 2012 budget. Most of the evidence presented so far in the ongoing inquiry has focused on this time period.

Chief Rodd says he's struggled with weight issues for his entire life and didn't appreciate the comment.

"I took it as another personal attempt to diminish me, not only in front of the community but in front of my colleagues," he says.

According to Richard Taylor, representing the mayor against 11 allegations of misconduct, the mayor will testify he made the comment in an attempt to sell more food to support the United Way.

But Chief Rodd says a number of his colleagues approached him later at the event to say they also thought the comment was inappropriate, although he didn't provide any names.

Earlier in the hearing, Chief Rodd testified that the mayor has referred to him as "marshmallow man." It wasn't a comment made to him in person but rather passed on by an elected official, who he won't name.

Mr. Taylor says the mayor will deny the claim during his testimony.

New particulars in the case, including the comment from the barbecue, were presented by the commission's lawyers in early February. Mr. Taylor tried to block the new information, arguing it's too late in the game to present the evidence but the commission tribunal ruled against him.

The issue resurfaced Thursday morning (March 20) at the Holiday Inn when the mayor's lawyer, Richard Taylor, insisted it necessary to recall commission investigator Warren Korol, who's already testified in the inquiry.

If the commission tribunal didn't allow it, he detailed his plans to take the issue to divisional court.

"I don't like being threatened sir," David Gavsie, chair of the commission, told Mr. Taylor.

After taking a 10 minute break to contemplate his request, the tribunal agreed to allow further testimony from Mr. Korol as long as Mr. Taylor stuck to the new information presented at the hearing.

Other new information introduced in the hearing in early February includes inappropriate statements made by the mayor during a budget committee meeting in November and a statement he made to local media in January, calling the Police Services Act archaic.

The tribunal continues Monday (March 24) when Mr. Taylor opens his defence and calls new witnesses, including Councillor Bob Hall. http://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/4421824-happening-now-chief-rodd- testifies-at-mayor-bennett-hearing/

QUEBEC

March against police brutality declared illegal, broken up

CBC News March 15, 2014

Montreal’s 18th annual march against police brutality was declared illegal a matter of minutes after its scheduled start time of 3 p.m. at the intersection of Jean-Talon and Châteaubriand streets.

Montreal police officers dressed in riot gear, including horse-mounted officers, mobilized soon after the announcement to move protesters away from the intersection. An estimated 150 protesters were soon caught in a kettling manoeuvre south of the protest zone on Châteaubriand Street.

A Sûreté du Québec riot squad dressed in green fatigues moved in a short time later to replace Montreal police officers and take over the kettle.

The Jean-Talon Metro station, which is located in the protest zone, was closed around 3 p.m but reopened around 4 p.m.

The Collective Opposed to Police Brutality, which organizes the march to mark the International Day Against Police Brutality, said this year’s march was organized to highlight what it calls “social profiling” by Montreal police officers, or the targeting of those believed to be homeless and therefore "unwanted."

The location for this year’s march is where a police officer was captured on video in early January threatening to tie a homeless man to a pole. The man was wearing only a T-shirt and shorts in below –30 C weather and had been acting aggressively toward passersby.

The officer was disciplined after the incident.

Organizers also pointed to two other separate incidents that saw police shoot and kill Mario Hamel and Alain Magloire after confronting them on the streets for aggressive behaviour. Both men had experienced homeless spells and suffered from mental health problems.

The early morning shooting of Hamel in June 2011 also resulted in the death of Patrick Limoges, a hospital worker who was walking home after his shift and was struck by a stray bullet.

A history of mass arrests, vandalism

Last year’s march ended with more than 250 arrests and more than 150 were fined $637 for participating in an illegal event.

Organizers have once again refused to provide police with an itinerary and route for today’s protest, saying it allows police to take preemptive measures to restrict and disrupt the protest.

"It is not to the police to decide if we have the right to protest or not," the COPB says in a press release.

Refusing to provide an itinerary makes the march technically illegal and sets the stage for more arrests this year.

Radio-Canada quoted Montreal police saying they would permit the march “as long as no criminal actions take place.”

Past marches, however, have been marred by acts of vandalism and even violence and seen riot police respond with stun grenades and mass arrests. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/march-against-police-brutality-declared- illegal-broken-up-1.2574163

NEW BRUNSWICK NOVA SCOTIA PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NEWFOUNDLAND NATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cameras Becoming Part Of San Juan Police Uniforms

Fox Rio March 19, 2014

San Juan police officers are receiving training on body-mounted video cameras.

Body cameras will be worn as part of the police uniforms and will allow for better policing and evidence gathering in traffic stops, sobriety tests, and foot pursuits.

The video devices could result in a drop in the use of force by a police officer and in public complaints about officers.

The footage obtained from the cameras, if not important to a case, will be erased after 90 days. San Juan police officers also carry a radio, a gun and taser as part of their body armor. http://www.foxrio2.com/cameras-becoming-part-of-police-uniforms-san-juan/

Weed out miscreants from Police Service

Business Ghana March 19, 2014

An Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) is to be established to address indiscipline and accountability challenges in the Ghana Police Service.

The commission is expected to be a civilian oversight body within the Ministry of the Interior.

Already, the Police Administration has set up a unit known as the National Inspection Team to weed out miscreants from the service.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, made this known at the launch of the Public Confidence Reaffirmation Campaign by the Ghana Police Service in Accra yesterday.

The year-long campaign that will focus on the relationship between the police and the public, as well as the professional disposition and practices of police personnel, comes in the wake of several complaints about the misconduct of policemen and women and is aimed at ensuring that the police carry out their duty of maintaining law and order in a professional manner.

As part of the campaign, police personnel will wear armbands with the inscription, "I do not accept bribe", while armbands with "Do not corrupt the police" and "I will not bribe the police" inscribed on them were distributed to the public during a float from the Police Headquarters to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

Explaining the functions of the National Inspection?Team, the IGP said it would investigate the loss and unlawful use of firearms by police personnel.

The team was also expected to investigate allegations of misconduct and corruption made against police officers, he said.

Additionally, he said the unit would investigate jail breaks and monitor traffic accidents involving police vehicles.

Mr Alhassan advised the public to refrain from bribing the police when they infringe the law.

He said the people should know their rights as citizens and be proactive by providing credible information to enable the police to discharge their duties.

"As responsible citizens, it is incumbent on you to inform the police about the misconduct of their personnel and pursue all complaints against them to their logical conclusion," the IGP added.

According to him, the image of the Ghana Police Service has, over the years, attracted unsavoury comments from the public.

"This is the result of the shameful and disgraceful acts perpetuated by a limited number of our personnel," he pointed out.

To address the problem, he said the police conducted a self-assessment which established that some police officers use excessive force, extort money while on road duties, demanded money before granting bails and meddle in civil cases.

The assessment also found the abuse of the rights of suspects, such as the illegal detention of suspects, wrongful arrests and poor treatment of detained suspects.

It also identified administrative weaknesses within the service, such as centralised power and authority, arbitrary posting and assignment of officers based on nepotism and favouritism, as well as the duplication of the work of units, which hampered the efficiency of personnel.

To the Police Administration and personnel, the IGP cautioned that "the era when we acted with impunity is over".

The IGP indicated that to reverse the negative image of the Police Service, "we have realised that the only way forward is to boldly fight and eliminate all image-tarnishing vices and their associated perpetrators".

The Director-General in charge of the Public Affairs Department, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rev David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin, in a welcoming address, stated that the service had, in the past years, initiated and implemented a number of programmes and policies to improve its services to the public.

Those, he said, included the Visibility Patrol, the Marine Police and the Action units which had strengthened the service.

"The Police Administration deems it opportune and fit to enter the next phase of its reform drive," Rev. Ampah-Bennin added. http://www.businessghana.com/portal/news/index.php?op=getNews&news_cat_id=&i d=197058

Canadian-led group to present recommendations on Bangsamoro police

Tarra Quismundo Philippine Daily Inquirer March 19, 2014

MANILA, Philippines—The Canadian-led Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) established to draw up a police system for the Bangsamoro juridical entity will present its recommendations after the expected signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to the Canadian ambassador in Manila.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said on Wednesday that the ICP, chaired by an expert from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, has been wrapping up its report following public consultations in Mindanao in 2013.

“We had an expert from the Royal Canadian Mountain police who came, and spent several months here. I think their report will be issued very soon, I think in the next couple of weeks, on the proposed policing structure of the Bangsamoro,” Reeder said. “That would include reference to all the consultations that they’ve done, as well as drawing upon experiences of other countries including Canada,” said the diplomat in an interview on Wednesday.

The ICP, a panel composed of international and local experts and representatives from both the Philippine government and MILF panels, was convened in September 2013 as mandated by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The commission was tasked to “recommend appropriate policing within the Bangsamoro, which is civilian in character and responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and to the communities it serves.”

Randall Beck, an assistant commissioner at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, chairs the international panel.

Reeder said the Bangsamoro policing system might adopt aspects of the Canadian structure, a dual system where both the national and regional police forces would cover certain provinces.

“We’ve been very closely involved in the policing dimension of the agreement, drawing upon the experience of Canada, which have national and provincial layers [of policing],” Reeder said.

He said Canadian provinces that “are not as wealthy” as others usually preferred to use the national police force.

“Each province can use the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a police force, or they can fund and create their own regional police force. So we have kind of a dual system in Canada that may have applications in the Bangsamoro,” he added.

He welcomed the announcement on the scheduled signing of the the comprehensive peace agreement on Mar. 27, citing the importance of political will in implementing the agreement.

“…I think all countries are very pleased with how this has evolved so far. Implementation of the agreement will be key, political will of the government will be key both in the Congress but also in the region, and we’re hopeful that this will move forward. And in the new Bangsamoro, there will be more opportunities for investment and development cooperation,” the envoy said.

He said peace could finally lead to the development of Mindanao’s rich resources, particularly in agriculture, minerals and even tourism.

“I think the international community will see this as an opportunity for investment [and] for development, and to assist the region that really has been behind in terms of all the (development) indicators in the country for many years,” said Reeder.

“After 40 years of conflict, we want to see peace, stability. We want to see [not only] the approval of the basic law, but also, you know, opportunities for the international community to assist,” he said. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100684/canadian-led-group-to-present- recommendations-on-bangsamoro-police

National Police’s cybercrime unit gets boost

Rene Acosta Business Mirror March 18, 2014

THE National Police will expand its Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) by adding units and equipment as it goes full blast in its campaign against computer-related offenses.

The expansion of the unit, which is currently headed by Sr. Supt. Gilbert Sosa, was announced on Monday by the National Police chief, Director General Alan Purisima.

“We will expand the units under the ACG. We will establish computer laboratories in the different parts of the country, train more personnel… specialized personnel,” Purisima said.

He acknowledged the contribution of the ACG in the overall campaign of the National Police against criminality, by working on computer and other electronic-based cases.

Purisima said that aside from hiring additional personnel, the force will also subject its staff to specialized training and personnel assigned to it could no longer leave the unit, unless they resign.

“The policemen who will train here cannot go out of ACG. If they decide to leave, they will go either by resigning or by dismissal from the service because we will not allow those trained personnel to go out of the unit to perform other police duties,” Purisima said.

“We are developing the anti-cybercrime capability that when you start here, you would retire here,” he said, adding that Sosa will retire as the head of the unit.

“Gilbert has been with me for so long and don’t worry, he will not be leaving ACG. We agreed that he will retire with the ACG,” Purisima said.

He commended Sosa and the ACG for their accomplishments that included the arrest of Taiwanese and mainland Chinese involved in credit card and telecommunications fraud; the Indians and Americans tagged in health-card fraud and the busting of syndicates involved in online gambling and human trafficking and child pornography.

“The ACG has already investigated 601 cybercrime cases and examined 2,242 pieces of digital evidence. We attribute this accomplishment to our strong partnership to our local and international counterparts and technical support on training we receive from the US anti-terrorism assistance program,” he said. http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/29179-national-police-s- cybercrime-unit-gets-boost