The Toronto Police Service is working harder than ever before to ensure the safety of all the people, in all the communities, of this city.

The Service, and the people of Toronto, will continue to harness the collective effort and goodwill to target those who use violence.

As Chief of Police, I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the Toronto Police Service for their tireless efforts as well as their unwavering commitment to rid our streets of gangs and guns. I’m reminded, on a daily basis, of the excellent work in divisions and units, members going above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of all the people of Toronto. I value and appreciate their contributions.

The members of the Service face significant challenges on a daily basis; their skill and experience shine through. The people of Toronto remind me, time and again, how much they admire and appreciate their efforts. I pass on their praise with pride and gratitude.

Ultimately our success depends on each member of the community assuming their responsibility for public safety, working with police in a partnership based on open lines of communication, underpinned by mutual confidence and trust.

Toronto remains a safe city. To keep that reputation will continue to require vigorous enforcement of the law. It is clear that there is a small group of violent criminals who, quite simply, must be locked up for a long time. There is no other solution. For those who genuinely want to change their ways, and lead productive lives, we will work to offer whatever support we can.

Since becoming Chief, my priority has been to maintain Toronto as a safe place to live, work, invest and play – a thriving metropolis where all stakeholders work alongside the Service in the fight against violence, organized crime, intolerance and fear.

We have faced challenges head-on. Project Flicker, in September 2005, built on the successes of Projects Impact and Pathfinder in 2004, dismantling street gangs, and allowing local people to take back their neighbourhoods. Thursday, May 18, 2006 was the culmination of Project XXX, targeting the Jamestown Crew, one of the most violent organized crime gangs in the city. More than 100 people were arrested; they face more than 1,000 charges.

A new intelligence unit – the Urban Organized Crime Squad – has been expanded to tackle gun and gang violence, collect information and develop intelligence on organized criminal gangs operating in Toronto. Its officers assist squads and divisions with intelligence-gathering and enforcement initiatives.

The Service’s TAVIS (Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy) builds on our earlier, successful efforts. It is a city-wide initiative intended to reduce violence, improve safety and enhance the quality of life in Toronto’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods. It’s focused on intervention, prevention, enforcement and community mobilization. The heart of TAVIS is the neighbourhood police officer, based in a community for an extended period, building relationships, and working with the community to identify issues which joint action can resolve.

Aggressive, targeted enforcement is also a vital part of TAVIS. Starting in February 2006, there have been 5,546 arrests, and 330 firearms seized.

High-profile police patrols, another key TAVIS component, have been very well received by all communities. The reassurance they provide has led to burgeoning, productive relationships between police and residents, leading to more effective partnerships and the detection of more crimes.

We have worked, and continue to work, very closely with all levels of government, to ensure the criminal justice system is fully able to play its part in punishing those whose behaviour shows contempt for themselves and their communities.

Government, at all levels, is more attentive to the need to protect public safety than at any time in recent memory. They are providing the Toronto Police Service with considerable numbers of new police officers, with the financial resources to invest further in enhancing public safety, and examining legislative changes that will make communities safer.

By the end of 2006, we will have 250 new officers, above and beyond those who retire. They are all being deployed on the streets of Toronto. In addition I have redeployed 200 police officers to frontline patrol work. These hundreds of additional police patrol officers, working throughout the city, have made their presence felt. They have been welcomed by residents in all neighbourhoods; the reassurance and security they provide has made a significant contribution to the reduction in violence we have seen, so far, this year.

Enforcement is a vital part of the solution but we also need the community’s help. The efforts and partnerships of today and tomorrow, and the foundations we are building for the future, strengthen our community’s ability to create and nurture a positive environment – one that offers fewer opportunities for criminals and allows for more peaceful, prosperous communities.

Together, we can make it clear that threats to Toronto's safety will not be tolerated.

Together, we are making a difference.