Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Police Leaders Embark on Historic Mission to Israel

(Toronto, ON) – Police leaders from across Ontario will embark today on a historic five-day mission to Israel that will provide them with opportunities to explore Israeli police procedures, obtain information on anti-terrorism/security matters, meet with senior police and Israeli and Palestinian officials.

The mission, a cooperative effort lead by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Government of Ontario, the Canadian Jewish Congress Ontario Region and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, is being Chaired by OACP First Vice President and York Regional Police Chief Armand LaBarge, the Hon. Monte Kwinter, Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Canadian Jewish Congress (Ontario) Chair Joel Richler.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the OACP and for Police Chiefs from across the province to witness firsthand the manner in which one of the world’s most sophisticated democratic states deals with terrorism and security in the 21st century,” said Chief LaBarge.

LaBarge noted that lessons learned by police leaders on this mission will assist Ontario police services in improving their capacity to effectively deal with policing and security issues impacting Ontario communities and allow them to consider innovations in law enforcement in Israel that will promote the safety of their communities.

“This mission will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the daily challenges faced by Israeli law enforcement organizations in relation to security-related issues and build on the excellent relationships that already exist between Israeli and Ontario police and provincial government officials.” said LaBarge. “It’s important that we, as police leader, learn from colleagues in other parts of the world and apply what we learn to make our communities safer.

Youth Charged with Break and Enter

Yesterday morning just before 7 am City Police were called to St. Ann School on White Oak Drive regarding a break and enter. Upon police arrival the suspect had fled the area but was tracked down and arrested on Knox Avenue by patrol officers. It is alleged that the 16-year old youth broke into the school and was using a school computer to download and print pornography images. While being arrested the youth continually tried to pull away from officers. The youth was taken into custody and remanded to a local youth facility. Later in the afternoon, while in the care of the facility staff the youth took off running. Patrol officers were once again able to locate the youth quickly and he was taken back into police custody where he will remain until bail court this morning. The youth has been charged with one count of break and enter and commit the offence of mischief, one count of resist arrest and one count of escape custody.

Male Charged with Assault on Girlfriend

A 20-year old male will appear in court on April 4th after being arrested just after midnight. It is alleged that the accused and his girlfriend got into a verbal argument that ended up with the male assaulting the victim by pinning her to the ground. The assault took place outside in the City’s east end. The victim did not require medical treatment. The accused has been charged with one count of assault.

Youth Charged with Numerous Charges

On the 27th of February around 8 pm City Police attended at a downtown address regarding an assault complaint. It is alleged that a 17-year old youth forced their way into the residence of another youth and assaulted the victim. The victim was kicked in the face and also punched in the face. As well the accused was holding a knife while assaulting the victim. The youth was arrested yesterday afternoon and has been charged with one count of forcible entry, one count of assault, one count of assault with a weapon and one count of breach of probation. The youth will appear in court on April 5th.

Impaired Driving Charges Laid

71-year old Walter Nowitski of 20 Powley Road was arrested just before 7 pm last night. City Police had received a call regarding concerns of the accused driving while impaired. When officers located the accused he was just exiting his vehicle in his driveway. Officers noted the accused to display signs of impairment. The accused has been charged with one count of impaired driving and one count of consume over the legal limit. He will appear in court on April 4th.