POLICE JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT GUNS, GANGS

Niagara Regional Police will continue to crack down on guns and gangs
by taking part in a $1-million-plus joint initiative with police in
Brantford, Halton and Hamilton.

Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter
announced the $1.2-million joint forces operation Monday in Brantford,
part of the Ontario government's plan to combat the spread of guns and
gangs.

The funding falls under the province's $12-million anti-crime package
announced last month by Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Tackling guns and gangs is a challenge, Kwinter said, because criminal
gangs are always adapting and evolving.

The NRP does not yet know how much of the money it will receive or how
the money will be used.

Sgt. Gaye Pokol heads the NRP's Guns, Gangs and Grows unit, set up
last fall.

"There definitely are gangs and gang member activity in Niagara," said
Pokol. "Obviously, their presence is a concern.

"We're well above the number of grows that would have been taken down
this time last year," said Pokol.

Pot seizures by the NRP this year has totalled more than $3 million in
plants and growing equipment.

In 2006, more than $8 million in marijuana was seized across
Niagara.

Pokol said, so far, the specialized unit is seeing results for its efforts.

"It's been a success in a high number of arrests and the number of
grow-ops taken down and property being seized," he said.

Establishing a joint forces operation with the three other police
forces could bolster that progress further, said Pokol.

The biggest challenge for police is nabbing offenders who move
throughout cities to avoid capture, he said.

A joint operation could improve communication among neighbouring
police forces to track down these people, said Pokol.

"The criminals have no boundaries," he said.

Brantford Police Chief Derek McElveny said the funding will help fight
criminals that operate between the four communities.

More officers and better equipment are also priorities for the unit,
said Pokol.