Community Crisis Response Network Updates

This past Thursday, Regent Park’s Community Crisis Response Network held a meeting to review the Network’s structure and to receive an update from 51 Division.

The Community Crisis Response Network (CCRN) has worked in Regent Park for many years to ensure the community receives the support it needs in times of crisis, disaster, or tragedy. Through instability that comes from the community redevelopment, the CCRN has faced some challenges maintaining its efficacy. Reorganization is underway to better enable the network to provide community support.

The community has clearly stated that safety in Regent Park is of the highest priority. We recognize the importance of having a structured network of support, and hope that among the changes, a return to the networks original community-led structure.

At this most recent meeting, representatives from Toronto Police Service’s 51 Division offered an update on 51 Division’s plans and strategy to help keep Regent Park safe and stressed the importance of working with the community to achieve our common goals. Constable Somers introduced us to our four Community Response officers, mandated to focus specifically on Regent Park’s safety. 

The Community Response officers will now work in the community for a minimum of one year (previously 6 months) and are encouraged to remain for two or more years. This new protocol will enable them to better serve Regent Park by becoming a part of the community. The officers expressed their desire to have the trust of the Regent Park neighbourhood and its collaboration to facilitate their work, and emphasized their willingness to be approached by residents.

Residents with information on criminal activity are recommended to approach these officers, or to contact the Community Response Unit Manager, Staff Sergeant John Spanton, at 416-808-5152.

Also, gun incidents will now be investigated and handled by a specified gun violence police team. This is to help avoid miscommunication or duplication of information, and so that these issues get dedicated, vigilant care.

Constables Somers noted that they are conscious of the escalated risk of violence in the community during the summer and they will work hard to protect the community. Toward this goal, they will be holding a Gun Amnesty Day in the summer, from June 3-14th to allow those  in possession of firearms to submit weapons to the police to be destroyed, no questions asked* and no risk of prosecution.

51 Division will be hosting a BBQ to show their appreciation for the community on June 15^th. All are welcome!

If you are interested in participating in the CCRN and receiving as a first responder, please contact us at debra@rpni.ca.

     *For the firearm to be discarded properly an adult must give permission to the police to  destroy the weapon