33 Division Community Bulletin

33 Division Community Bulletin
February 2011 – 62nd Edition
33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 33division@torontopolice.on.ca 1
Unit Commander:
Staff Inspector Frank Ruffolo
2nd in Command:
Inspector Cory Bockus
Investigative Unit:
Detective Sergeant Ed Dzingala
Community Response Unit:
Staff Sergeant Robb Knapper
Crime Prevention Officer: Kelly Downie
Community Relations Officer: Ellie Matheson
TOTAL STRENGTH
Officers: 190
Civilians: 10
Auxiliary Officers: 18
Volunteers: 11
From the desk of ….
Staff Inspector Frank Ruffolo
As you are all aware, Sergeant Ryan Russell was killed in the line of duty on
January 12th, 2011. This was a very sad day for policing and the citizens of
Toronto. On behalf of 33 Division, I would like to thank everyone who was kind
enough to express their condolences. The officers at 33 Division are very
appreciative of the support shown from the community.
Now that a new year is upon us, we can look back at 2010 as a successful year
with our crime reduction initiatives and overall policing strategies. Overall crime
rates have decreased by 8%, however, street robberies showed a slight increase
and, therefore, remain a high priority for our enforcement.
Although in recent years there has been a downward trend for Drinking and
Driving charges, 33 Division has recorded a 19% increase in the number of drunk
drivers arrested. This is, in part, due to our increased focus on traffic
enforcement and an increase in R.I.D.E. spot-checks. This is an unfortunate
statistic as it demonstrates that some motorists have not yet realized the dangers
of drinking and driving.
Once again, this year 33 Division, along with our Community Police Liaison
Committee, will be hosting three Community Round-table meetings. The first
meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011 at the Victoria Village Public
Library, 184 Sloane Avenue from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you wish to attend or
would like more information, please contact Staff Sergeant Robb Knapper at
robb.knapper@torontopolice.on.ca or 416-808-3392.Frank Ruffolo
Staff Inspector
ARREST OF THE MONTH #1:
On Monday January 10th, 2011, at approximately 2:00 PM the victim
and his two friends were standing in the hallway of a building on
Allenbury Gardens. The victim was talking to his two friends, when
he saw the accused come around the corner. The accused removed a
silver coloured handgun from his person and pointed it at the
victim. The accused demanded that the victim give him everything he
had on him and began to search the victim for property.
The victim did not comply with the demands of the accused, and
began to move towards the exit door of the building. The accused
had the handgun pointed at the victim's face, but he then began to
rack the slide of the handgun. The accused then fired a shot at the
victim, which struck the victim's left boot near the toe and then
exited the sole of the boot. The bullet did not penetrate the
victim's body. At this point the victim handed the accused his
Apple I-phone. The accused then fled the scene towards Fairview
Mall Drive.
The victim left the area and called the police. Police attended the
scene and commenced an investigation. At the scene a single bullet
fragment was located in the hallway. Both the victim and the
witnesses were interviewed.
As a result of the police investigation, the accused was positively
identified in a photo line-up by the victim.
On Friday, January 14th, 2011, at approximately 3:30 PM the accused
was located in the area of Don Mills Road and Finch Avenue East. At
the time of his arrest the accused was wearing the same clothing
that was worn on the date of the offences. The accused was arrested
and transported to 33 Division, where he was charged accordingly
and held for a show cause hearing.
Further investigation of the 25 year old accused, revealed that the
accused was on two separate firearms prohibitions.
A HERO’S
TRIBUTE
It is with heavy hearts that members of 33 Division send out this message of thanks. As all
Ontarians grieved the loss of Sergeant Ryan Russell, it was genuinely felt from the 33
Division community as emails, phone calls and letters of condolences poured in. We thank
you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support through this very difficult time.
We also know that Ryan’s family was deeply touched by all the warm and heartfelt
comments as they publically expressed “that it brought much comfort to them”.
We want to remind all Canadians that we have the best Police Service in the country, and
Ryan Russell is a shining example of those men and women who put their lives on the line to
protect us each day. They, along with our fire and emergency medical workers, do their
jobs selflessly every day and earn the respect and appreciation of us all.
We have been fortunate that this kind of tragedy does not happen too often … but when it
happens, it affects us all.
Let us always be grateful for the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who uphold
the law and keep us safe.
Members of 52 Division composed this poem that truly reflects Ryan’s spirit as an officer.
“We who have worked with Sgt. Ryan affirm that there is no way of really denying, as a
policeman, a colleague and a friend, the fabric of excellence right up to the end. And so we
cherish the brilliance of your smile, the epitome of class for all the rank and file. We are
privileged to have known you and to work alongside you, the poise and the polish that is
found in so few…You taught us all to be calm and so collect, you kept us grounded to ensure
our every respect…We look forward to seeing you in the warmth of your paradise.”
Sgt Ryan Russell #7686
1975-2011
Rest in Peace
On behalf of the members of 33 Division, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all
the members of the community who donated items to the soldiers currently serving in
Afghanistan. The support was overwhelming, proving once again how strong the relationship is
between the Toronto Police Service and the community of 33 Division.
Below, is an actual letter sent from one of the recipients of the packages, clearly serving as a
reminder of how important it is that we remember our officers and soldiers in every way that we
can.
Kelly Downie 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, and those with you, for taking the
time to send myself, and the others serving with me over here in Afghanistan, these
many excellent thoughts and gifts. It is very heart-warming to know that you would
take such time out of your busy lives to send us these tokens of your appreciation.
I and my brothers and sisters-in-arms over here are extremely grateful to you to,
say the very least!
We are all very pleased to represent you, and our fellow Canadians, on this
important global stage even if, God forbid, we have to pay the ultimate sacrifice
doing so. We as Canadians live in the best country in the world bar none, and I
have travelled a lot so I can say that with some authority, and it is our
obligation to the world to do our part to make other places better places to live
and raise their children, and their children's children. Even if I know they will
never be as good as Canada, because of its amazing beauty, incredible diversity and
excellent security, which I might add is due mostly to our Law Enforcement people
such as yourself and your colleagues whom I admire greatly!
If you can take anything from me from my experiences here in Afghanistan, cherish
the life that you have back in Canada and be thankful everyday for all that the
country has to offer, even if there are issues they are so very minute in
comparison to those facing other people in this crazy mixed-up world we live in!
Once again, thank you so very much for your kindness as it makes serving over here
that much more special!!
John Edelman
Major
HQ CO/A4 Maint
JTF-Afg Air Wing
TF SILVER DART
REMEMBERING OUR OFFICERS
Your main duty is to safely cross all school-aged children up
to and including Grade 6. As a courtesy, you may assist
older children, adults, elderly, the disabled or any other
person you feel would benefit from your assistance.
The salary for this position is $11.33 per hour with 12%
Travelling Allowance and 4% Vacation Pay.
• All applicants must pass a vision test
• All applicants must provide a Certificate of Fitness from their
family physician confirming that they are physically fit to carry
out the duties of a Crossing Guard
• Must not have been convicted of a criminal offence for which a
pardon has not been obtained. If a pardon was obtained, proof
of pardon must be provided. If a conditional or absolute
discharge has been received, proof that the RCMP has sealed the
records must be provided.
• A security check will be conducted.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
BECOMING A SCHOOL
CROSSING GUARD?
If so, you are invited to contact the
School Crossing Guard Co-ordinator at
33 Division at 416-808-3300.
33 Division Community Bulletin
On February 14, 2006, Minister Mary Anne Chambers, of the Ministry of Children and Youth
Services, announced that the Ontario Government would be funding various youth opportunity
initiatives, as part of the government’s new strategy to address the growing needs of our youth.
Part of that strategy, was and is a partnership with the Toronto Police Services Board, the Toronto
Police Service, and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to hire 100 youth for the summer.
The aim of the Youth in Policing Initiative is to promote youth participation in and exposure to the
work environment through diverse, educational, and productive work assignments.
This program also enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve. This
initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive
community partnerships.
The mandate of the Youth in Policing Initiative is:
To promote youth participation in and exposure to the work environment through diverse,
educational and productive work assignments.
To enhance the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve by selecting
youth reflecting our culturally diverse city.
To provide a safe and positive employment opportunity over the summer months for youth.
To promote the Toronto Police Service as an employer of choice.
The goal of the Youth in Policing Initiative is to give young people an opportunity to develop job
skills while enhancing police and community relations.
Rate of Pay: $10.90 per hour
Location: Various Police locations throughout the City of Toronto
Duration: July 4, 2011 to August 26, 2011
Eligibility:
The selection of the youths is based on the following criteria:
Applicants must reside in one of the priority identified neighbourhoods:
33 Division Community Bulletin
Malvern Steeles – L’Amoreaux Eglinton East – Kennedy Park
Jane-Finch Weston – Mt. Dennis Scarborough Village
Jamestown Lawrence Heights Kingston – Galloway
Regent Park Flemingdon – Victoria Village South Parkdale
Dorset Park Crescent Town Westminter – Branson
Must be students between the ages of 14 and 17 years old
Must not have been convicted of a Criminal Offence for which a Pardon has not been
granted, and must not have any charges pending before the courts
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Must be legally eligible to work in Canada
Applications:
Applications are available at:
Your local Police Division (24 hours/7 days per week)
Toronto Police Headquarters, Employment Unit, 40 College Street
Online at www.torontopolice.on.ca/careers
North – Driftwood Community Centre, 4401 Jane Street
East – Malvern Recreation Centre, 30 Sewells Road
South – Regent Park North Community Centre, 203 Sackville Green
West – Rexdale Youth Resource Centre, 1530 Albion Road, Unit #83, Albion Mall
Information Sessions:
January 29, 2011 9am – 4pm: Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, Auditorium
February 2, 2011 5pm – 8pm: 31 Division, 40 Norfinch Drive, Community Room
February 5, 2011 9am – 4pm: Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham St., Theatre
February 9, 2011 5pm – 8pm: 43 Division, 4331 Lawrence Avenue, Community Room
Contact for Information:
Danielle Dowdy, Program Coordinator 416-808-7618
Lucy Pignataro, A/Senior Civilian Staffing Advisor 416-808-7859
Job Information Line: 416-808-7134
How to Apply:
Complete and submit the application package to your local Police Division, or to the Employment
Unit, 2nd Floor, Toronto Police Service Headquarters, 40 College Street by Friday, February 18,
2011. We thank all applicants for applying, however, only those candidates selected for an
interview will be contacted.
33 Division Community Bulletin
February 2011 – 62nd Edition
33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 33division@torontopolice.on.ca 9
TRAFFIC SAFETY TIPS:
On December 1st, 2010, changes and additions were made to the Highway Traffic Act concerning
the suspension of driver’s licences and the impounding of motor vehicles. These adjustments give
police officers some new and some improved tools to use in our daily fight to keep the roads, and
the public using them, safe.
There are now seven categories of licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments in the
HTA that are available to us. They are: ADLS, CCC VIP, Warn Range, II VIP, HTA VIP,
Above Zero BAC, and Racing. The last one, Racing, contains a large amount of information and,
as such, will be covered on its own next month.
As driver’s you need to be aware of what behaviours will risk loss of your driving privileges
and your vehicle.
Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (HTA sections 48.3 and 48.4)
ADLS suspensions have been around for a number of years. Any driver who has been
drinking, and:
a) refuses a demand for a breath, blood or physical co-ordination test made by a peace
officer, or
b) after being arrested and transported to a police station for a formal breath test, blows
over the legal limit (i.e. 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or
“.08”),
is subject to a 90-day suspension of their driver’s licence. The big change in 2010 is that the
government has added a 7-day impoundment of the motor vehicle under this ADLS. And if the
drinking driver is operating someone else’s car, it still goes away for 7 days.
Criminal Code Conviction Vehicle Impoundment Project (HTA section 55.1)
Any Ontario driver, whose conviction under the Criminal Code has resulted in a suspension
or prohibition from driving, also becomes suspended under the Highway Traffic Act. The provincial
suspensions run independent of the federal prohibitions and sometimes can last years longer.
DRIVER’S LICENCE SUSPENSIONS
& VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENTS
PART 1
33 Division Community Bulletin
February 2011 – 62nd Edition
33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 33division@torontopolice.on.ca 10
When a driver with a Criminal Code suspension is found to be operating a motor vehicle, he
is arrested and faces further charges. In addition, the motor vehicle is taken into custody for a
minimum of 45 days. Again, it does not matter if the car or truck belongs to someone else. It’s
goodbye for about a month and a half.
Warn Range (HTA section 48)
Drivers who register a “warn” on a roadside screening device (RSD) are subject to
suspensions which range in length from three to thirty days.
The RSD is calibrated bi-weekly. It is programmed to display a letter “A” for a Warn and a
letter “F” for a Failure. The “A” will be shown when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration reaches
between 50 and 99 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. While the legal limit in
Canada is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, the RSD allows an extra 20
milligrams before registering a failure.
On the first occasion that you blow a “Warn” on the RSD, you driver’s licence will be taken
for three days. A second “Warn” registered within five years of the first will net you seven days.
A third and any subsequent “Warn” within five years of the first will result in a thirty day loss of
driving. There is no provision for vehicle impoundment under this section.
Highway Traffic Act Vehicle Impoundment Project (HTA section 55.2)
As mentioned above, certain Criminal Code convictions lead to driver’s licence suspensions
and the HTA will piggyback these with its own prohibitions.
The provincial legislation also details a number of behaviours which, not only suspend your
privileges, but will also take your vehicle for seven days.
These include but are not limited to:
- a provincial offences court judgement,
- defaulting on family support payments,
- excessive demerit point accumulations,
- not attending remedial training or meetings, and
- a provincial offences conviction for driving under suspension.
Ignition Interlock Vehicle Impoundment Project (HTA section 41.4)
Upon the expiration of a driver’s licence suspension from a Criminal Code drinking and
driving conviction, courts impose certain restrictions upon the offender’s newly-reinstated licence.
The most widely used condition is that of an Ignition Interlock device. This instrument must
be installed in the motor vehicle being driven by the person for a period of – on a first conviction –
usually one year. The offender is responsible for all costs associated with the installation, rental,
and removal of the device during the court-imposed penalty time frame.
The Ministry of Transportation will issue the driver a new licence with a condition “I” shown
on the front. If the person is stopped by a police officer and found to be operating a motor vehicle
with the device disabled or not installed, he or she will be charged and lose the car or truck for
seven days.
Upon the expiration of the Ignition Interlock period, it is up to the driver to apply to the
Ministry of Transportation to have the condition removed from his/her driver’s licence. Failing to
do so will keep the required condition attached. If you are stopped with the condition still showing
– even if it is years after the expiry of your court sentence – you risk losing your licence and your
car.
Above Zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (HTA sections 48.2.1 & 44.1)
New drivers and those under 22 years of age are required to maintain a zero blood alcohol
concentration.
In other words, any person of any age holding a class M1, M2, G1 or G2 driver’s licence; or
any person 21 years and under holding any class of licence, cannot have any alcohol in their
body when driving.
The RSD will display a number between .000 and .049 before switching to the letter “A”
at .050 and the letter “F” at .100 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Any reading
above .000 will net you a 24-hour licence suspension. There is no provision for vehicle
impoundment in this section.
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The Government of Ontario has taken a serious approach to the use and abuse of our roads.
You are now being held more accountable for your actions.
There are those who will still gamble with their safety and that of their passengers, fellow
motorists pedestrians. Well, the stakes just got higher.
Just ask yourself this:
Traffic safety: Are you the problem or the solution?
Police Constable Howard Rosenberg (1080)
33 Division Traffic Enforcement Unit
COMMUNITY POLICE LIAISON COMMITTEE:
We began our first CPLC meeting of the year by calling for a moment of
silence for Sergeant Ryan Russell, the officer killed by a man driving a
stolen snow plow last month. Unit Commander of 33 Division, Staff
Inspector Frank Ruffolo was touched by the show of solidarity from volunteers, both in
our Division and across the city, noting that honouring a fallen fellow officer is a deep,
family matter in the Service. He showed us a National Post Letter to the Editor entitled
“The police are not a breed apart”, written by TPS Auxiliary Constable Andre Ramshaw.
Supporting the huge police funeral for Sergeant Russell (attended by officers from across
Canada and even the U.S.), the Auxiliary Constable wrote: “Those thousands of police
uniforms lining Toronto streets … are society. They are us.” Talking about the role of the
Auxiliary service (and I’d include us volunteers here as well), he said, “We are in many
ways the last vestiges of [founder of modern law enforcement Sir Robert] Peel’s ‘public
police’, a bridge between ordinary citizens doing their bit to keep their communities safe
and the highly trained experts to whom we delegate our crime-fighting obligations.”
It was a good note on which to start our year’s work. We began with the review of crime
statistics for the year so far. The outlook is always sunny at the beginning of the year,
despite the weather outside, because crime trends haven’t had time for upward
movement yet. Nevertheless, Staff Sergeant Knapper’s report for January was positive
by another measure: the rising percentage of incidents cleared from the police books –
at 44% slightly higher than the city as a whole. An issue that needs targeting this year,
in spite of a slight downward trend, he said, is teenager-on-teenager street robberies.
This is a vexing and continuing problem, with Smart phones providing the incentive for
some kids to target others.
Staff Inspector Ruffolo went on to talk about the excellent performance record in terms of
crime reduction across the Division, and noted that Divisional officers will be challenged
to better this record in 2011. For instance, 2010 saw, with the same number of spot
checks and patrols as previous, but 19% more impaired arrests. General arrest average
is 18 per constable, the 4th highest in the city. “We get full value here in 33 Division, in
terms of working hard,” he said.
Staff Inspector Ruffolo noted that the crime reduction could not have been possible
without the support of the community, and the hard work of the CPLC members,
volunteers and Auxiliary officers. With all the talk of downward-trending crimes and
infractions, we should be aware that they are not the best measure of success in all
instances. Staff Inspector Ruffolo pointed to traffic violations, for instance: “Rather than
sitting at a fishing hole and getting 30 or 40 tickets,” officers need to go to where the
community sees traffic problems, or accident spots, to catch offenders. “This leads to
fewer tickets but higher quality enforcement, and more important, enhanced public
safety,” he said.
33 Division Community Bulletin
February 2011 – 62nd Edition
33 Division 416 808 3300 50 Upjohn Road Toronto ON M3B 2W1 33division@torontopolice.on.ca 13
The meeting then went on to talk about our goals and objectives for 2011. The
overarching goal is summed up by the sentiments of Sir Robert Peel – again in the words
of Auxiliary Constable Ramshaw, “We are all in it together.” In that vein, we got to work
assigning volunteers and officers to an impressive array of activities and objectives,
amongst them:
• Awards and Appreciation night
• A drive to increase geographic representation amongst community volunteers
• Fund-raising for a 33 Division student bursary
• Recruitment of community subscribers to TPS Links
• Crime Prevention Workshops and “Law in the Mall” events
• Support Our Troops Campaign
• Open House at 33 Division
• Liaison with our Politicians
• Spreading the word – community round-tables and Town Hall meetings
• Personal Safety and household security lectures and visits
• Support for disadvantaged children: for safety, e.g. helmet donations, and for
enrichment, through the Lion’s Club Youth Challenge
No doubt more tasks and brainwaves will manifest themselves during the year!
Our concluding round-table discussion was made all the livelier by the contest for
committee chair in our annual elections. It gives us a sense of real work being done by
dedicated community members. On that note, congratulations to Liz Cavan on her reelection
as Chairperson – her election recognizes the years of experience and dedication
she brings to the job. And thanks also to Ibrahim Meru for putting his hat in the ring –
we will count on him this year to serve in other capacities, as he did so outstandingly last
year.
A couple of remarks in closing:
• Retiring officers: Staff Inspector Ruffolo has noted that there are going to be
many retirements from the service in the next year or two – the effect of the big
boomer exit that is happening across the working world. We should be aware of
this attrition when called on to support the police in their call for new hires.
• Business CPLC members needed: While the Residential CPLC is thriving, with
members backing up their commitment with volunteer work, the Business CPLC is
dealing with a business community stressed by the current economic environment,
with little time to spend on community work. So I urge all readers to look around
them and see who amongst friends, family and neighbours are business-people,
and might be persuaded to join the committee. You can assure them that it
doesn’t take huge amounts of time; volunteer activity can be tailored to time
available; and the rewards (and community connections) are well worth it. So
please start recruiting!
• I would welcome comments, questions and feedback on my CPLC reports.
Please send an e-mail to patriciathika@gmail.com and I’ll try to include interesting
remarks in future articles.
Patricia Stamp
CPLC Representative for the
Sheppard-Leslie Homeowners’ Association
Chairperson Liz Cavan, Staff Inspector Frank Ruffolo and committee
members reflect on the loss of Sergeant Ryan Russell at the start of the
CPLC meeting on January 25th, 2011.