Councillor Shelley Carroll

Find out the latest news and upcoming events in your neighborhood. Politics, news, views, and links from Ward 33 Councillor Shelley Carroll.

Monday, March 06, 2006

33 Division Community Bulletin

Unit Commander Robin Breen
The Toronto Anti-Violence and Intervention Strategy (T.A.V.I.S.) has been formed in response to the gun and gang violence that plagued our communities during 2005. The Toronto Police Service initiated this project after receiving a grant from the Provincial Government. In support of our efforts, to make our community streets safer places to live, we have embraced the T.A.V.I.S. initiative.

Officers from 33 Division Community Response Unit have been assigned to assist in this intervention strategy to work solely to combat violent crimes. Recently a number of weapons have been seized in 33 Division as a direct result of this strategy.

We have our officers patrolling our communities on a continual basis. They have worked diligently to affect the arrests of numerous persons for violent crimes. I am very encouraged by the level of commitment to community safety displayed by all members who work at 33 Division.

At this time, I wish to express my condolences to the officers of the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit. The loss of Brigadier, who was struck by a vehicle and mortally wounded in the line of duty on Friday, February 24th, 2006 has been deeply felt by members of 33 Division, and, indeed, by members of the community.

Brigadier’s rider and partner, Police Constable Kevin Bradfield, was also seriously injured when he was thrown from the horse. He is currently recuperating at home. On behalf of all members of 33 Division, I wish him a speedy recovery.

Brigadier will be given a hero’s send-off in a memorial service being held on Monday, March 6th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ricoh Coliseum on the CNE Grounds.


TRAFFIC TIP OF THE MONTH

Are You A Safe Driver?
For an increasing number of people, multi-tasking has become more than a skill – it has become a way of life. We rush about our days with mile-long to-do lists and are forever trying to increase the number of things we can do at one time. This reality spells disaster on the roads.

60 per cent of all traumas are motor-vehicle related. This is more than enough evidence that our go-go-go mentality can prove to be deadly when we are at the wheel.

We must take a closer look at our driving habits to identify our unsafe practices and do whatever we can to ensure our own safety, the safety of our families and that of everyone travelling the same roads.

100 per cent of your attention must be on the task of driving

Almost 100 per cent of motor vehicle collisions can be avoided if people simply pay attention to the task at hand. Don’t be distracted by changing CD’s, radio, passengers, cell phones, drinking coffee, reading the paper, shaving, applying make-up, eating or changing outfits. These small distractions can have big consequences.

Recognize what it means to be impaired while driving – and don’t be.

Impairment is anything that distorts vision, hearing and co-ordination, or impairs judgment or alters one’s perception or emotions. A driver can be considered impaired if they are fatigued, taking drugs, illegal or over-the-counter, when they are in a state of emotional despair, when they are angry or when they are simply distracted. Impaired driving means driving while under the influence of anything that will distract from your ability to drive safely.

Get your vehicle check-ups

Part of driving safely is being sure that your vehicle is safe and has up-to-date maintenance checks. If you notice anything is wrong with the vehicle, you must have it checked immediately.

Know the laws of the land

Whether you have lived in Canada all your life or you are new to the country, it is important that you know and follow all of the traffic laws. Motorists should educate themselves about any new legislation.

Allow yourself more than enough time to get to your destination

Many collisions are caused by people who know the rules, but are in a rush to be somewhere on time. Recognize that traffic has increased significantly over the years. If it took you 15 minutes to drive somewhere 10 years ago, chances are you should allow double that time now. If you are running late, call ahead and let someone know you will be late. It’s better to arrive 15 minutes late than injured or not arrive at all.

When in doubt, or distress, pull over

If you need to look at a map, make a grocery list, discipline a child, talk on the phone, check your e-mail or anything else that takes your attention away from driving – pull over!

Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

“HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A BREAK AND ENTER?”




The Home Security Academy can “help you put the pieces back together.”

The 33 Division Toronto Police Service Home Security Academy is a one evening workshop. This session is designed to help you deal with your emotional reaction and give you a chance to:

• Reduce your sense of violation
• Understand your reaction
• Discuss effective coping methods
• Access support services

It will also focus on crime prevention strategies, both for your home and your community.

This FREE workshop is being offered to you or someone you know who has been a victim of a Break and Enter on:

Thursday, April 6th, 2006
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
33 Division, 50 Upjohn Road

Please contact PC Kelly Downie #5535, 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer to confirm your attendance at 416-808-3395.


33 DIVISION’S
OPEN HOUSE
AND
CHILD AND SENIOR SAFETY DAY


SATURDAY JUNE 17th
10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
33 DIVISION
50 UPJOHN ROAD
TORONTO
416-808-3300

FREE HOTDOGS AND DRINKS

Face Painting, Balloons, Clowns, Elmer the Safety Elephant, Child Fingerprinting, Police Displays, Poison Control, Special Displays for Seniors, Tours of the Police Station, and other activities.

Anyone interested in participating in or making a contribution towards this event, please contact
Staff Sergeant Rob Morris
at 416-808-3392


GOOD POLICE WORK OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday February 1st, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., officers from 33 Division attended at Seneca College, 1750 Finch Avenue East, to patrol for on-going drug activities. The officers observed a group of males sitting in a vehicle.

When officers approached and spoke with the driver, they detected a strong odour of marihuana coming from the vehicle. Further investigations and a search revealed a loaded .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver located in one of the suspect’s front pants pocket. Officers also located quantities of marihuana and crack cocaine. All suspects were charged accordingly.

* * * * * * * * *

On Friday, February 10th, 2006 at 6:00 p.m., officers from 33 Division responded to a call at Parkway Forest Drive. The accused’s mother contacted Police, reporting that she had located a large quantity of marihuana in the apartment.

The mother had confronted her 24 year old son, who admitted that the marihuana belonged to him. Officers attended and located 12 individually wrapped packages of marihuana, over $800.00 in cash and weigh scales, were seized. The accused male was arrested and charged accordingly.

Three men went into a store to rob it. There were several customers shopping at the time. While waiting for the customers to leave, one of the robbers picked up a cell phone, examined it and took a picture of himself. After the customers left the store, the three men proceeded to rob the store, leaving the cell phone with his picture, on the counter. Police now have a picture of the dumb crook and put it on t.v. for everyone to see.

THE VOLUNTEER VOICE
… by Linda Averill


The Volunteers of 33 Division will be continuing with Purse Patrols during the month of March at various shopping malls throughout 33 Division. They will be distributing information pamphlets with various safety tips on how to avoid a Purse Snatching.

Child Fingerprinting will be held at Toys R Us
Located at Victoria Park Avenue and Lawrence Ave E.
On Sunday March 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Child Car Seat Inspection Clinic will be held on
Saturday, March 25th at 54 Division, located at
41 Cranfield Road and will be by appointment only.

Volunteers will be attending Seniors Day held at
Shoppers Drug Mart on Thursday, March 30th at the
Don Mills Centre and at Nymark Plaza
And will be handing out information pamphlets.

For more information or to make a child car seat inspection appointment, please call
Volunteer Co-ordinator Linda Averill at 416-808-3325 #2.