Black Habits - Toronto Police Services looks forward to Caribana

Chief Tony Warr provided the following statement at yesterdayâ€™s press conference

"The Carnival is a major event during summer in the city and one of the highlights of the year. It attracts visitors from all over Canada and abroad, providing them with an excellent opportunity to enjoy our cityâ€™s diversity

"A major part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) takes place this weekend. "It will bring large crowds to the downtown area. I am confident that, as in past years, the overwhelming majority of those attending will embrace the festivities.

"The Toronto Police Service is committed to protecting public safety at the Carnival, including participants, spectators and our police officers. We will deploy sufficient officers to ensure a highly visible patrol presence which will work closely with the Mounted Unit, Traffic Services, and Parking Enforcement.

"We have been working effectively with the City and local businesses to ensure all aspects of public safety have been taken into account. "Over the last several years, we have constantly examined and evaluated the way we police the downtown area. Community partners have been very supportive in helping us develop the ways in which we protect public safety.

"As part of that ongoing process, this year, we will be deploying CCTV cameras in the downtown area. There will be nothing secret about them. There will be signs advertising their presence. They have two clear purposes: deter those who may be considering committing crime and provide evidence to identify, arrest and charge those who choose to commit crime.

"The value of CCTV cameras has been demonstrated countless times in this city, whether leading to arrests in homicides, sexual assaults and armed robberies or resulting in the rescue of abducted children.

"We are mindful there are privacy concerns with respect to CCTV cameras. Those concerns are important to us and we are working very closely with government agencies and community groups to ensure that, as we continue to use CCTV to protect public safety, our policies reflect those concerns.

"I want to take this opportunity to wish all who attend Carnival events this weekend a safe and enjoyable time. To those who are coming to our city, I know you will enjoy your visit."