EARLY HELP FOR AT-RISK TEENS KEY

Targeting at-risk teens with better options than drug-dealing, gangs
and guns is a key to keeping them from meeting Det.-Sgt. Doug Quan
the hard way.

Quan, head of the Toronto Police gun and gang task force, lauded a
new youth violence study calling for teen thugs -- especially gunmen
- -- to face tough justice.

But he also recognizes efforts are needed to help potentially
troubled youths avoid becoming grown-up criminals, especially if they
get help in their early teens.

"Based on what I see, the bulk of our seizures come from adults," he
said of his squad's gun confiscations.

Agreeing that schools and social workers can help troubled teens best
if they identify their problems and learning limitations, he said "we
have to have realistic expectations of different people."

The report emphasized locking up violent youths to protect the public.

Staff-Insp. Brian Raybould, who heads the Toronto Police homicide unit, agreed.

"We have to say enough is enough," he said. "We have to have
custodial settings, and that includes halfway houses, where we can
show them an alternative lifestyle."

Raybould said he also welcomes prevention and schooling for at-risk youth.