(Queen’s Park) – Garfield Dunlop, P.C. Critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services, rode along with an officer from the Toronto Police Service’s 42 Division in Scarborough last night. This division has drawn much attention in recent months as the location of numerous gang-related gun crimes, including murder.

“The only way to really understand the severity of Toronto’s gun violence problem is to find out firsthand what our front-line police officers are dealing with in dangerous neighbourhoods when most of the lights are out,” said Dunlop, who traveled in the 42 Division police cruiser with Sergeant Dean Burkes from about 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm.

Dunlop, who represents the provincial rural constituency of Simcoe North, felt the ride along would provide him with the ideal opportunity to learn about urban policing issues. He also requested the ride along to show support for Toronto’s police officers and to demonstrate leadership that he feels is currently lacking from the province on tackling Toronto’s gun crime.

“Toronto is by far Ontario’s largest city, so we can’t expect city officials to fight this on their own,” said Dunlop. “I must say I’m truly disappointed that Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal Caucus colleagues haven’t shown the slightest bit of interest in helping Chief Fantino and Mayor Miller end the unnecessary violence on Toronto’s streets.”

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)