Death or injury of a child is a horrid thing. Many parents will do anything to protect their child from the violence of the world. In this case, the violence happens right before the child’s eyes, in a place intended to be a safe learning environment, school.
Ever since Columbine Massacre, schools in the US have greatly increased their security. Buildings locked, doors monitored, faculty and staff required to wear ID, metal detectors, cameras, strict dress code, and see through backpack are just some of the ways they have tried to prevent school violence. Other schools enforced anti-bullying policies, and zero-tolerance approached to weapons and threats.
Why exactly would a student, a child nonetheless, want to pick up a gun and kill their peers? Most of these violent offenders do not wake up one morning and decide to kill, rather they plan, plot, and acquire weapons in a mechanical manner. Whenever a school shooting or other act of violence occurs, people desperately search for answers. They want to know how such a thing could have happened, what caused it, if it was led up to by warning signs, and whether it could have been prevented.
One of the most common catalysts for the violent acts in schools is bullying and harassment by classmates. People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour later in life. This is why many schools are adopting a bully free attitude, cracking down on bullying and the bullies.
How does this relate to the police? The police are the ones who have to go into a school and deal with the children when school violence erupts. Whether it involves beatings, knife attacks, or shootings, school violence is a complicated and difficult issue – one for which there are no clear-cut solutions. Psychologists, educators, and law enforcements are continuously seeking better ways of identifying the root causes of school violence. By gaining a greater understanding of the problem, expanding public awareness of it, and learning more about the psychology behind violent behaviour, they hope eventually to find the key to preventing school violence before it happens.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Home Cleaners Charged for Theft
On Nov. 18, OPP County of Wellington responded to a call of reported theft in Puslinch Twp.
Cash was reported missing from the home, said the victim, and suspected a cleaning staff member. Cameras were installed to watch the home for incidents in the future. A video of two workers stealing cash from the homeowner’s wallet was shown to OPP on Nov. 25.
Two women have been charged with Theft under $5000. Kimberly Anne Auliffe, 40, and Danielle Linton, 22, will appear before Court on Jan. 4, 2010.
Source: http://www.crimealerts.net/wellington.htm
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Cash was reported missing from the home, said the victim, and suspected a cleaning staff member. Cameras were installed to watch the home for incidents in the future. A video of two workers stealing cash from the homeowner’s wallet was shown to OPP on Nov. 25.
Two women have been charged with Theft under $5000. Kimberly Anne Auliffe, 40, and Danielle Linton, 22, will appear before Court on Jan. 4, 2010.
Source: http://www.crimealerts.net/wellington.htm
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Questions and Answers with the Brantford Chief of Police
As the Chief of Brantford Police, what is your role when it
comes to the public?
The Police Service Act of Ontario states, "The duties of a chief of police include, administering the police force and overseeing its operation in accordance with the objectives, priorities and policies established by the board under subsection 31 (1: ensuring that members of the police force carry out their duties in accordance with this Act and the regulations and in a manner that reflects the needs of the community, and that discipline is maintained in the police force; ensuring that he police force provides community-orientated police services and; administering the complaints system in accordance with Part V."
The Police Services Act of Ontario, which I am referring to, is 568 pages.
Section 4 of this act refers to what the municipality shall provide by way of adequate and effective police services. The "Core Police Services" fall under the following five headings, crime prevention, law enforcement, assistance to victims of crime, public order maintenance,
and emergency response.
In your opinion, should the police care about their image and
their relations with the public?
The founder of modern day policing Sir Robert Peel, said, "The basic mission of the police is to prevent crime and disorder." He believed that the police are the public and public are the police. This basic philosophy has been the guiding light for policing since Peel said it in 1829. I have grown up in this community, I live in this community, I raised my family in this community, and I just happen to be the chief of police. I care deeply about the image this service has with the public as does every officer with whom I have the pleasure of serving beside.
What type of activities/services for the public are you involved
with? How do they help the public?
We provide direction to the public through programming focusing on the five core principals as stated above.
Can you give me an example where your role with the public has
been difficult?
Having recently completed 30 years of policing I have reflected on the challenges our officers face everyday and it is very difficult to find one challenge that is greater than another. We respond to just over 45,000 calls for service a year. Our role as peacekeepers is a difficult role at the best of times. We are in some cases the last line of defence for some people. In some cases, there is no one else that will, or can help, and we are usually dealing with people who are in conflict. It is our responsibility to attend and gather evidence of whatever crime that has been committed. We do so impartially, we are to put this evidence into a format acceptable to the court, assist the Crown in the presentation of this evidence and it is the courts responsibility to determine guilt.
Over the course of my career, this responsibility has gotten increasingly more complicated. Others in the criminal justice system will take days, weeks and sometimes months, to dissect what, in some cases, our officers have done after having nothing more than a split second to react. As I stated before we are simply the conduit for information to the court. We depend on the eyes and ears of the public to give that evidence in order that the court can draw the correct conclusions. It isn't about "winning or loosing,” but rather the presentation of clear and concise
evidence.
What message, if any, do you have for the public?
Remind the public we do not write laws. We are bound by the same sets of laws as everyone else in this community, province, and country. The police must remain impartial. We are trying to find the best evidence possible given any set of circumstances. It's one thing to know someone has committed a crime, it's another thing to prove it "beyond a reasonable doubt" to a third party. We need the public for us to do our jobs. We need the public to understand and take responsibility for their actions. Be aware of the circumstances, be aware of the worse case scenario, and always be prepared with an alternative plan should you find yourself in an unexpected situation.
--INK--
comes to the public?
The Police Service Act of Ontario states, "The duties of a chief of police include, administering the police force and overseeing its operation in accordance with the objectives, priorities and policies established by the board under subsection 31 (1: ensuring that members of the police force carry out their duties in accordance with this Act and the regulations and in a manner that reflects the needs of the community, and that discipline is maintained in the police force; ensuring that he police force provides community-orientated police services and; administering the complaints system in accordance with Part V."
The Police Services Act of Ontario, which I am referring to, is 568 pages.
Section 4 of this act refers to what the municipality shall provide by way of adequate and effective police services. The "Core Police Services" fall under the following five headings, crime prevention, law enforcement, assistance to victims of crime, public order maintenance,
and emergency response.
In your opinion, should the police care about their image and
their relations with the public?
The founder of modern day policing Sir Robert Peel, said, "The basic mission of the police is to prevent crime and disorder." He believed that the police are the public and public are the police. This basic philosophy has been the guiding light for policing since Peel said it in 1829. I have grown up in this community, I live in this community, I raised my family in this community, and I just happen to be the chief of police. I care deeply about the image this service has with the public as does every officer with whom I have the pleasure of serving beside.
What type of activities/services for the public are you involved
with? How do they help the public?
We provide direction to the public through programming focusing on the five core principals as stated above.
Can you give me an example where your role with the public has
been difficult?
Having recently completed 30 years of policing I have reflected on the challenges our officers face everyday and it is very difficult to find one challenge that is greater than another. We respond to just over 45,000 calls for service a year. Our role as peacekeepers is a difficult role at the best of times. We are in some cases the last line of defence for some people. In some cases, there is no one else that will, or can help, and we are usually dealing with people who are in conflict. It is our responsibility to attend and gather evidence of whatever crime that has been committed. We do so impartially, we are to put this evidence into a format acceptable to the court, assist the Crown in the presentation of this evidence and it is the courts responsibility to determine guilt.
Over the course of my career, this responsibility has gotten increasingly more complicated. Others in the criminal justice system will take days, weeks and sometimes months, to dissect what, in some cases, our officers have done after having nothing more than a split second to react. As I stated before we are simply the conduit for information to the court. We depend on the eyes and ears of the public to give that evidence in order that the court can draw the correct conclusions. It isn't about "winning or loosing,” but rather the presentation of clear and concise
evidence.
What message, if any, do you have for the public?
Remind the public we do not write laws. We are bound by the same sets of laws as everyone else in this community, province, and country. The police must remain impartial. We are trying to find the best evidence possible given any set of circumstances. It's one thing to know someone has committed a crime, it's another thing to prove it "beyond a reasonable doubt" to a third party. We need the public for us to do our jobs. We need the public to understand and take responsibility for their actions. Be aware of the circumstances, be aware of the worse case scenario, and always be prepared with an alternative plan should you find yourself in an unexpected situation.
--INK--
If not TASER, than What?
TASER is an electro-muscular disruption weapon, which causes involuntary muscle contraction that cause temporary incapacitation. Its five-second discharge stuns the criminal for long enough to cuff him/her. The electricity in the TASER flows over the skin’s surface, not through internal organs. Which means it cannot stop the heart. The TASER X26 is the only instrument to revolutionize an aspect of policing in the past thirty-five years.
The technology is a non-lethal weapon, meaning it cannot kill. The category of non-lethal weapons includes pepper spray and the baton. (A gun would be in lethal weapon category)
So why is the media reporting so many TASER involved deaths?
The media is reporting on misrepresentations and sensationalistic innuendo. To clear up most confusions: If you were to die from electric shock by a TASER you would die within seconds of being shot, this means if you died 5 – 10 minutes later, even an hour later, you will have not died by electric shock.
• Most deaths were ruled drug related, including “excited delirium”
• Most occurred during transport or at the hospital
• Most involved subjects demonstrating extremely erratic and bizarre behaviour
• Most have occurred hours to days after actual TASER device applications
• Most deaths were ruled out as not TASER related by medical examiners
(From TASER International’s “State of the Union” by Steve Tuttle)
This controversy about TASER deaths and misuse has come to the forefront of media frenzy. We have heard all the myths of electric shock, and heart stops, but we haven’t heard any good news about the TASER technology.
It allows an officer to arrest a criminal without being injured in the process. They also can be tracking to see the exact time in which a cartridge was deployed It also is safer to the criminal as the alternative to a TASER would be pepper spray, baton or even a gun.
Any use of force carries an inherent risk of danger. Use of force is not risk free and there is no magic “no-kill” weapon. However, TASER is among the safest and most affective force for the officers, especially when the TASER lowers death in both the police and the civilian.
I guess it is really up to the reader to have their own opinion on subjects like these. However, my advice is to read the cold facts, not the misrepresentations or innuendo.
--INK--
The technology is a non-lethal weapon, meaning it cannot kill. The category of non-lethal weapons includes pepper spray and the baton. (A gun would be in lethal weapon category)
So why is the media reporting so many TASER involved deaths?
The media is reporting on misrepresentations and sensationalistic innuendo. To clear up most confusions: If you were to die from electric shock by a TASER you would die within seconds of being shot, this means if you died 5 – 10 minutes later, even an hour later, you will have not died by electric shock.
• Most deaths were ruled drug related, including “excited delirium”
• Most occurred during transport or at the hospital
• Most involved subjects demonstrating extremely erratic and bizarre behaviour
• Most have occurred hours to days after actual TASER device applications
• Most deaths were ruled out as not TASER related by medical examiners
(From TASER International’s “State of the Union” by Steve Tuttle)
This controversy about TASER deaths and misuse has come to the forefront of media frenzy. We have heard all the myths of electric shock, and heart stops, but we haven’t heard any good news about the TASER technology.
It allows an officer to arrest a criminal without being injured in the process. They also can be tracking to see the exact time in which a cartridge was deployed It also is safer to the criminal as the alternative to a TASER would be pepper spray, baton or even a gun.
Any use of force carries an inherent risk of danger. Use of force is not risk free and there is no magic “no-kill” weapon. However, TASER is among the safest and most affective force for the officers, especially when the TASER lowers death in both the police and the civilian.
I guess it is really up to the reader to have their own opinion on subjects like these. However, my advice is to read the cold facts, not the misrepresentations or innuendo.
--INK--
Thursday, November 12, 2009
19-year-old Face Multiple Attempted Murder Charges
On Nov. 10, a male was reported to have stolen a vehicle in Oxford County around 11:30AM. An Oxford County OPP officer spotted this vehicle. A pursuit was given, assisted by County of Brant OPP and Norfolk OPP. This was soon terminated due to the driver’s extremely dangerous driving. He then drove at an officer who attempted to lay out a spike belt and later two officers attempting to stop traffic. The vehicle then skidded and hit a tree. After fleeing on foot, he was apprehended.
R. Ryan, 19, from Brantford faces:
• Attempt Murder- 3 counts
• Dangerous Operation-Motor Vehicle- 3 counts
• Drive Disqualified- 3 counts
• Attempt-Theft Over $5,000 Motor Vehicle- 2 counts
• Theft over $5,000 of Motor Vehicle
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000
• Flight from Police Officer
• Breach of Probation Order
Ryan is currently being held in custody at the Brantford Jail.
Source: http://www.crimealerts.net/brant.htm
--INK--
R. Ryan, 19, from Brantford faces:
• Attempt Murder- 3 counts
• Dangerous Operation-Motor Vehicle- 3 counts
• Drive Disqualified- 3 counts
• Attempt-Theft Over $5,000 Motor Vehicle- 2 counts
• Theft over $5,000 of Motor Vehicle
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000
• Flight from Police Officer
• Breach of Probation Order
Ryan is currently being held in custody at the Brantford Jail.
Source: http://www.crimealerts.net/brant.htm
--INK--
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Frontlines of Public Relations
Dealing with the public is in the police’s job description, especially for Mark Cloes, the Media and Community Officer for the Wellington County OPP. His job is the definition of police and public relations. “My role” he states “is to review all incidents responded to by the police and prepare media releases as needed.” This role between the police and the public helps the community understand what is going on, crime-wise.
He attends presentations at schools, makes presentations requested by the public, sits on various committees and community groups, and sets up booths at local events. These activities he participates in are very important to the public. “Education of the members of the public to all matters pertaining to road safety or crime prevention is essential, to reducing incidents of crime, and to assist in making our roadways safer,” he says.
The police’s image is where Officer Cloes’ job steps in. “Police image within the public is extremely important, I attempt to smooth over any misconception that members of the public may have about any frontline officer, and I also try to foster a positive and caring image between police and public at all times.” Image is what Officer Cloes has to worry about. It is important that the public trusts the police, or some crimes may go undetected.
This job is never easy; sometimes it is hard to smooth over arguments. He says of one the difficulties of the job is the media’s portrayal of his job. “Sometimes members of the media are upset that I don't work 24 hrs a day...or [no one] is working throughout the night. Media officers only work days and not nights.” At one point, his cell phone number was given to the media and had received calls at different times during the night.
His job is very important to both police and to the public. He is the officer who helps the public to continue in being safe. “Road safety and crime prevention are high priority to the Ontario Provincial Police,” he says, leaving a message. “Together with some patience and education, you can help your local police to make our roadways safer and to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.”
--INK--
He attends presentations at schools, makes presentations requested by the public, sits on various committees and community groups, and sets up booths at local events. These activities he participates in are very important to the public. “Education of the members of the public to all matters pertaining to road safety or crime prevention is essential, to reducing incidents of crime, and to assist in making our roadways safer,” he says.
The police’s image is where Officer Cloes’ job steps in. “Police image within the public is extremely important, I attempt to smooth over any misconception that members of the public may have about any frontline officer, and I also try to foster a positive and caring image between police and public at all times.” Image is what Officer Cloes has to worry about. It is important that the public trusts the police, or some crimes may go undetected.
This job is never easy; sometimes it is hard to smooth over arguments. He says of one the difficulties of the job is the media’s portrayal of his job. “Sometimes members of the media are upset that I don't work 24 hrs a day...or [no one] is working throughout the night. Media officers only work days and not nights.” At one point, his cell phone number was given to the media and had received calls at different times during the night.
His job is very important to both police and to the public. He is the officer who helps the public to continue in being safe. “Road safety and crime prevention are high priority to the Ontario Provincial Police,” he says, leaving a message. “Together with some patience and education, you can help your local police to make our roadways safer and to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.”
--INK--
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