POLICE TO STEP UP BATTLE AGAINST GUNS, GANGS AND DRUGS

A number of Toronto police officers will join special units that will
tackle guns, gangs and drugs in an effort to stop the latest wave of
violence in the city. Chief Julian Fantino told reporters at a news
conference Tuesday the units will provide support to officers on the
existing gun and gang task force who are "working very hard."

Fantino said he also wants to examine the idea of installing surveillance
cameras in areas like downtown's entertainment district.

"We believe from our research and our experience that these cameras help
deter, identify and apprehend criminals," he said.

"They have been proven very successful in many other jurisdictions worldwide."

Fantino said that so far this year, the service has received 1,112 calls
for people with a gun, 169 shooting calls and 653 calls for the sound of
gunfire. In all of 2002, Toronto police received 1,571 calls for people
with a gun, 212 shooting calls and 880 calls for the sound of gunfire.

"Everyone in the community must play a part to stop the violence," Fantino
said.

"Violence is the enemy that's tearing down our society. It is counter to
what normal, decent, civilized people believe in."

Fantino's comments come after a violent holiday weekend that included a
murder in Scarborough Monday and two downtown shootings that injured four
people early Saturday.

Fantino noted there have been 31 homicides so far this year compared with
18 this time last year.

According to the Toronto Police annual report, there were 199,878 criminal
code offences reported in 2002, a drop from the 200,830 reported a year
earlier. The report shows a slight decrease in the number of robberies
reported in 2002 over 2001, while slight increases in residential break-ins
and sexual assaults. The number of murders remained the same at 60.

Toronto Police spokesman Const. Mike Hayles said the public might not
perceive that crime is down.

"Although the statistics are indicating slight decreases in some violent
crimes, it's important to remember that public perception often weighs
heavier than reported occurrences."

Hayles added more weapons are being used in crime and shooting victims and
suspects are getting younger. He said police are striving to reduce youth
crime through "proactive programs and education."