CHIEF SAYS IT'S HIS CALL ON POLICING RAVES

As members of Toronto's rave community stepped forward to talk about the
scene and make suggestions how to keep it safe, Chief Julian Fantino paid
close attention and made notes.

But after nearly two hours of debate and discussion, the Toronto police
chief said his responsibility for public safety would determine how the
dance parties should be policed.

"I have a mandate that clearly articulates what my duties and
responsibilities are. Yes, we're willing to accommodate and address issues.
Of course, that's what we're here to do. But ultimately, I can't surrender
my primary mandate, and that is to ensure optimum public safety," Fantino
said.

The police services board approved yesterday a police protocol that, in
part, governs how police would handle raves. Now, the police board will ask
city council to do the same thing.

The police service's protocol is a checklist of sorts, detailing steps that
party promoters must take before a rave is approved.

The police protocol includes a risk assessment, a physical inspection of the
site, requirements for licensed security, background checks for promoters
and others involved, arrangements for emergency medical services and hired
paid-duty police officers.

The final say on whether a party goes forward - and how many paid-duty
police officers are there - goes to the unit commander of the division
covering the area where the rave is to take place.

While ravers say they have no problem working with the police, they'd like
to ensure the guidelines governing the parties are clear and not so
restrictive that raves are governed out of existence.

Rave supporters say police insisting on a specific number of hired officers
could stop raves.