ORILLIA, ON, Aug. 21 /CNW/ - A series of media reports this week indicating violent crime is out of control in many smaller Ontario communities are misleading and don't accurately reflect the situation, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino said today.
The data being reviewed by the media is charge data sourced from the Ministry of Attorney General and is reflective of court regions. Charges are routinely transferred between courts and include charges from more than one police jurisdiction and other non-police enforcement agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Natural Resources.
OPP, like other police services, utilizes Statistics Canada Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) reports which are specific to either jurisdiction or police service. Many factors have to be considered when interpreting statistical reports prior to jumping to conclusions.
Fantino pointed out that the OPP uses a Results Driven Policing accountability framework based on accurate statistical data to leverage its resources and capabilities and help identify areas that require attention. We are also able to combat crime utilizing new legislation and additional resources to target the identified problem areas. This will result in an increase in charges, and over time, a decrease in the number of incidents and victims.
"We know that violent crime isn't restricted to large urban areas," Fantino said. "The OPP works hand in hand with our police partners, the community and the justice system to prevent crime and the causes of crime. Public safety and security continues to be a shared responsibility.
"The OPP polices 315 communities across the province of various sizes and each has its own policing challenges and demographics. The more than 5,500 uniform OPP officers in the OPP do an excellent job of making Ontario a safer place to live, work and play," Fantino said.
"The OPP is unwavering in its resolve to deliver policing services that are specifically tailored to each and every community we police to ensure they are safe and secure," Fantino stated.
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For further information: Inspector Dave Ross, Ontario Provincial Police, Corporate Communications Bureau, (705) 329-6874
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