Project Safe Returns With Zero Tolerance For Youth Crimes

Police Plan To Skip Warnings And Hand Out Tickets

Police are taking a new zero tolerance attitude for the fourth year
of Project SAFE.

Beginning June 18, the eight officer team will focus on youth
drinking, drug-use, loitering and noise in parks and common community
areas in Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough and on Hamilton mountain.

But where warnings were given first during each of the past three
summers, zero tolerance means a new focus on handing out tickets.

At a press conference announcing the fourth edition of the program -
short for Special Attention Follow-up and Enforcement - acting
Sergeant Sean Gosselin handed out a list of the common offences and
fines the team will be handling.

Fines of $50 to $125 will be handed out for offences under the Liquor
License Act, and Hamilton parks and noise bylaws.

Most revolve around having and drinking alcohol in a public place,
but also include using profane language, setting off fireworks,
breaking or defacing city property, and littering.

The police will also enforce a city bylaw that prohibits anyone from
being in a city park between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Also new for the project's fourth year are signs with the words:
Police/Targeted Enforcement Area/Zero Tolerance.

"We will put this sign up in areas of concern," Sergeant Sean
Gosselin said. "Hopefully it will be a prevention."

Administration of the project changes this year as well, with the
four division crime managers - roles created for Division 30 in
January - getting involved.

Superintendent Ken Bond explained Project SAFE officers will not be
handing out warnings, in favour of writing out tickets, because young
people do not always listen to a warning.

"A ticket can be more effective," he said. "We want that message to get out."

Project SAFE officers will compile a list of parks, conservation
areas and other spots to regularly check throughout the summer.

In Waterdown, that list will likely include the Margaret Street
cemetery and adjoining park, plaza parking lots and other hot spots,
according to councillor Margaret McCarthy.

SAFE was created through a partnership between councillors and
police, under the guidance of former police chief Ken Robertson, to
address the issue of vandalism and other illegal activities done by
youth during the summer months, she said.

It has seen good success in previous years. And she credits that to
the fact that officers are required to patrol on foot, in the dark
corners of town where kids often hang out.

"I want our parks patrolled. I want the guys to get out of their cars
in into the parks," she said.

"It's worked well," she added. "It seems to be more effective, more
efficient and more proactive than waiting for complaints to come in."

- - With files from Megan Walchuk