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New Approach to Crimefighting in Toronto

Long associated with low homicide rates and safe streets, "Toronto the Good," as this city has long been known, has experienced a sharp increase in handgun shootings over the past year, largely among young black men who belong to gangs. A spate of deadly gang shootings that culminated last month with the killing of a 17-year-old outside a church where he was attending another boy`s funeral is forcing leaders here to reevaluate their approach to gang violence.

While the overall homicide rate has not risen significantly, officials are concerned about the long-term impact of growing amounts of gun violence on the streets. In response, the city is bringing together police, businesses, and churches in a bid to develop a long-term strategy that will stem gang influence.

Deputy Police Chief Tony Warr, who heads the Toronto Police Services` (TPS) guns and gangs unit, says that TPS recently redeployed 200 officers to patrol the city`s most troubled gang neighborhoods on foot. Another 250 officers will be hired over the next year. "We need to establish more of a presence where people live - both to stop crime and to develop relationships with them," Mr. Warr says.