By Sean Delaney
Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders held a town hall meeting at a Jane and Sheppard-area church Wednesday March 16th to discuss safety concerns with area residents .Emery Village is part of 31 Division, so we are certainly part of this community discussion. Toronto police divisions regularly conduct town hall meetings, but the chief of police does not always attend these meeting so this was a special opportunity to discuss issues.
Saunders and representatives from 31 Division, Toronto Community Housing and Parking Enforcement were on hand at St. Jane Frances Parish, located at 2747 Jane Street, north of Sheppard Avenue. The purpose of the town hall was meant to address concerns from residents of the entire police division, which extends to Steeles Avenue West in the north, the CN rail line to the east, the Humber River to the West and Highway 401 to the south. Superintendent Tony Riviere and Staff Sergeant Richard Blanchard were also in attendance and gave presentations .
Toronto Police Service has consistently emphasized the importance of having officers dedicated to neighbourhoods in order to:
• Build trust and strengthen community partnerships,
• Aid in the understanding of the local environment,
• Identify, prioritize and reduce crime and disorder, and
• Assist in developing solutions to reduce crime and disorder.
Community members interested in speaking with their assigned Neighbourhood Officer(s) are encouraged to telephone the 31 Division Community Response Office at 416-808-3100.
The latest crime statistics from 31 Division indicate that the number of reported assaults and instances of robbery has risen in the area so far in 2016 and its something that we all need to keep an eye on as we move further into 2016.