Guardian Angels
Recently the Guardian Angels have started patrolling areas of Toronto, specifically the Regent Park area. The mayor is opposed to them being there, and the Chief of Police isn't too happy about it either. This makes no sense at all to me.
From what I have been able to learn about them, the Guardian Angels started operating in New York City in the late 1970's. The city was so crime-ridden back then that citizens started taking things into their own hands and aided the police to find and detain criminals by placing them under citizens arrest. They don't carry weapons, the are privately funded, and they help the police by detaining criminals by putting them under citizens arrest, and reporting crimes. Kind of like a wandering, aggressive neighbourhood watch.
So, if crime is escalating in Toronto, don't you think that something like this would be useful? Apparently Mayor Miller is upset that they have moved into Toronto. He would much rather rake in all of those tourist dollars, and tell everyone that Toronto is as safe now as it was 10-15 years ago. Hate to break it to you, but it simply isn't. I suppose the Mayor's solution to the problem would be to build more basketball courts, and have more after school programs to keep kids away from guns. How about having people around that aren't afraid to call the police when gangs of kids are shooting at each other, and killing innocent people in the process, like on Boxing Day? How many more bystanders have to get hit by gunshots before the Mayor of Toronto stops talking and starts actually doing something?
The Guardian Angels are a good idea for Toronto. It is a beautiful city with lots to do and see. I realize the crime there does not compare to what it was like in New York in the 70's, but it's bad enough, and it's better to nip this in the bud.
By opposing something that many people in Toronto want, Mayor Miller has made himself look a total fool, and with an election coming up, that isn't good for him. Hopefully someone with more brains will be elected next time.
From what I have been able to learn about them, the Guardian Angels started operating in New York City in the late 1970's. The city was so crime-ridden back then that citizens started taking things into their own hands and aided the police to find and detain criminals by placing them under citizens arrest. They don't carry weapons, the are privately funded, and they help the police by detaining criminals by putting them under citizens arrest, and reporting crimes. Kind of like a wandering, aggressive neighbourhood watch.
So, if crime is escalating in Toronto, don't you think that something like this would be useful? Apparently Mayor Miller is upset that they have moved into Toronto. He would much rather rake in all of those tourist dollars, and tell everyone that Toronto is as safe now as it was 10-15 years ago. Hate to break it to you, but it simply isn't. I suppose the Mayor's solution to the problem would be to build more basketball courts, and have more after school programs to keep kids away from guns. How about having people around that aren't afraid to call the police when gangs of kids are shooting at each other, and killing innocent people in the process, like on Boxing Day? How many more bystanders have to get hit by gunshots before the Mayor of Toronto stops talking and starts actually doing something?
The Guardian Angels are a good idea for Toronto. It is a beautiful city with lots to do and see. I realize the crime there does not compare to what it was like in New York in the 70's, but it's bad enough, and it's better to nip this in the bud.
By opposing something that many people in Toronto want, Mayor Miller has made himself look a total fool, and with an election coming up, that isn't good for him. Hopefully someone with more brains will be elected next time.
posted by John at 8:51 a.m.
3 Comments:
I hate Toronto.
I grew up in Scarborough, spent most of my own youth in Downtown Toronto, was never odd to see a group of us girls heading downtown on a saturday afternoon. I woulnd't do it now tho, I'm uncomfortable down there in fear of my own safety at alot of times, which is really sad.
Toronto IS a lovely city, the crime and fear that has overtaken it these last few years is sad. Having the Guardian Angels as a backup is one of the smartest things and a definate step in the right direction.
Having no Mayor support is a shame, I'm glad they are going forward regardless. Sad thing is, when their presence shows doing some good, the "Mayor" will be all over it....Sad that it will come to that, but it's probably true. I never get these polical figures that are AFRAID to back up an organization such as the Guardian Angels, saying we dont NEED it in our city.
I guess that's what happens when as mayor you are looking thru Rose Coloured Glasses.
Papa Joe - I agree with you, the Angels will certainly help, but it's only a stopgap measure. What Toronto needs is a better police force, with a bigger street presence. For years, there has been talk of getting police helicopters in Toronto, I am curious as to why this idea hasn't become reality yet. Durham Region has one - I don't see Pickering as being a hotbed for street crime, but that's a whole other issue...
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