By Michael Schwartz –
The Church St. corridor is safer now than it’s been in the past, according to reports from 51 Division.
On May 4, Chief William Blair joined 51 Division superintendent John Tanouye at a meeting of the TPS/LGBT community consultative committee (CCC). Blair cited that the task force assigned to patrol and control the notorious district has had “real success” in fighting crime, citing a decrease in an annual local crime rate that had been running in double figures for the last five years.
Tanouye reported that in the 12 months ending April 26, there had been no reported murders or sexual assaults in the corridor, which is bounded by Bloor, Yonge, Wellesley and Jarvis. General assaults have risen to 27, a slight increase over the previous year but still indicative of the generally low crime levels for the area. Robberies (6), car thefts (4) and breaking and entering (11) complete a set of low figures.
Despite the statistics, crimes against prostitutes along Maitland St. remained a hot button issue for the committee.
According to the committee, local prostitutes—those who reside in the area and perhaps read The Bulletin—are more respectful of their neighbours than those from elsewhere: the latter operate on Maitland St. because working anywhere else could literally prove deadly, while those from suburbs like Mississauga are less considerate of the neighbourhood. The irony, it was noted, is that these same commuters are more likely to experience physical attacks in their bedroom communities and come to Maitland St. to be safe.
Richard—a Maitland St. resident whose name has been changed for his protection—observes that compounding the prostitution problem is the fact that street-walkers—those who beg for money, cigarettes and alcohol—are becoming more aggressive. People are getting tired of these hustlers. “I was approached once and it was not pleasant. I had to call the police.”
Richard has been favourably impressed with police responses. “They have been quick and sympathetic. Police officers have certainly been investigating the hustlers. This was unheard of until recently but harassment by hustlers has died down.”
Blair solicited comments and ideas for improvement from meeting attendees and was immediately questioned about TPS treatment of those with handicaps. He responded by saying that he makes his officers aware of the special needs people. When situations arise involving them, it is now normal for an officer and a mental health professional to share relevant experience and solve problems quickly and compassionately.
Overall, Blair was very optimistic about the progress his force had been making, working to “create a diverse institution reflecting all aspects of Toronto’s own diversity. The values of our profession evolve along with the community.”
He also stated that his Toronto officers remain “committed to social justice, treating victims with respect and supporting them. People know that the service is there for them.”
“Sometimes it is not easy to make a report and so some crimes continue. If the crime is not known about, we can’t help,” Blair warned.
“We can’t police without co-operation. Toronto is a terrible place to be a criminal.”