Targeting Guns And Gang Violence
July 7, 2009 11:56 AM
McGuinty Government Combats Organized Crime And Drugs on Toronto's Streets
Ontario is continuing its support of the highly successful Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (TAVIS).
Established in 2006 by the Toronto Police Service, TAVIS helps to reduce illegal gang, drugs and weapons activities in communities by focusing on intervention, enforcement and community mobilization.
Additional funding of $10 million over the next two years will help Toronto police maintain four TAVIS Rapid Response Teams including one focused on criminal activity in Toronto's busy entertainment district.
As of May 2009, the strategy has been responsible for getting close to 600 firearms off the streets and more than 14,000 arrests.
Quick Facts
- TAVIS Rapid Response Teams are highly visible in the neighbourhoods they patrol, to deter crime and support law-abiding citizens.
- Police officers assigned to TAVIS have built positive relationships with more than 80,000 Toronto businesses and 171,000 local community members.
- TAVIS has been the model for similar anti-violence intervention strategies by 17 police services across Ontario.
- Ontario's total investment between 2006 and 2011 will be $27 million.
Learn More
Contacts
- Greg Flood
Communications Branch
416-326-0432
- Rebecca MacKenzie
Minister's Office
416-325-8282
- Anthony Brown
Communications Branch
416-314-7772
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
ontario.ca/safety