Gangs, guns and terrorism

He said Canadians seemed surprised that 18 terrorists were recently arrested and charged in Peel. He said "terrorism is here and it's been here for a long time." Following 9/11 policing changed. Since then, the FBI has shifted 6,000 of its 12,000 agents to counter terrorist activities.  This has caused budget and manpower shortgages to other areas including firearms control. It has also led to easier transport of guns into Canada.

The Chief spoke about some gun incidents and of the many violent crime concerns we are facing. Gangs are a major source of violent crime.  In 2003, Peel has 36 gangs.  Now there are 93 gangs.  Police are trying to keep gang members in jail and keep close tabs on those out on bail.

Peel has had 275 homicides since 1974 and sThe Chief says the best way to combat crime is through education and the development of skills so kids can get gainful, legal employment and not think a life of crime is the route to take. Youth is a long term project to make a better future, he says.

The Chief also talked about Peel's changing community. "We need more help from the ethnic community to better understand and service our newer members."

The Chief then answered some questions.

Q. How can we fix the delay between arrest and trial?
A. We need more J.P.s and Judges.

Q. Is the information sharing between different forces better than in the past?
A. Since 9/11 information sharing is better but they need more people to keep track of it.

Q. Is there a plan to combat gang activity?
A. Peel has a 12 member task force but this could be bigger.  Bullying is a main reason that gangs develop in schools (even as early as elementary school) and controlling this may reduce recruitment into gangs.  Now there is an officer for every school to help students.

Chief Metcalfe said a recent newspaper survey indicated that the people in Peel Region feel the safest in the GTA.