News Release

For Immediate Release
October 25, 2005

Additional Police And Crown Prosecutors Assigned To Toronto Task Force Immediately

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is fighting gun violence by significantly increasing the number of police and Crown prosecutors on the Toronto Anti-Guns and Gangs Task Force, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"We are intensifying our efforts against gun violence," said Bryant. "We are immediately and dramatically strengthening the ability of Toronto's Anti-Guns and Gangs Task Force to investigate and prosecute those responsible for gun violence."

Beginning immediately, 26 senior police officers will join the specialized Task Force and 32 additional Crown prosecutors will work exclusively to both prosecute existing guns and gangs cases and support the investigation, laying and prosecution of new gun-related charges.

The Toronto Anti-Guns and Gangs Task Force, involving police and Crown prosecutors and was created by Attorney General Michael Bryant in January of 2004, is already a success. The work of the Task Force has led to large-scale gang takedowns, which have resulted in dozens of arrests, hundreds of charges and the seizure of many firearms.

The Task Force is made up of Toronto police officers and specialized Crown prosecutors who work together from day one of an investigation. The Crowns provide early legal advice to the police, especially on search warrants or other issues arising out of an investigation. They will also, where appropriate, get legal authorization for the police to conduct wiretaps. After charges are laid by police, the Crowns prepare and conduct the prosecutions.

"These experienced police officers will bolster the Task Force's ability to tackle gun violence," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter. "They will serve as a bridge as we move ahead with our commitment to hire 1,000 new police officers that will help make our communities safer."

"These additional officers will be of tremendous assistance as we continue to work at dismantling gangs and getting guns off our streets," said Chief of the Toronto Police Service, Bill Blair. "I will be working with my fellow GTA Chiefs to expand the police Task Force focus on guns and gangs both in Toronto and in the surrounding regions."

"Dedicated Police and Crown prosecutors work together from the early stages of an investigation right through to the trial stage," said Bryant. "This expansion will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of these complex, large-scale guns and gangs prosecutions."

The government is also enhancing support services for victims and victim witnesses involved in guns and gang prosecutions. Staff from the Victim/Witness Assistance Program will be assigned full-time to large-scale prosecutions. Community programs will also be better supported. The McGuinty government is committed to ensuring victims have the information, assistance and support they need throughout the criminal justice process.

"Our government continues to build on its previous achievements to help stop gun violence and to help rid our streets of illegal guns," said Bryant.

- 30 -

Disponible en français