 By Staff
July 26th,2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The 3 District Street Crime Unit (SCU), began an investigation earlier in July.
At the conclusion of the investigation a Burlington Resident was arrested and charged with multiple drug and criminal offences. On July 25, 2018, A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant was executed at the residence of the accused. Discovered inside the residence were quantities of Xanax, Marihuana and cocaine. The street value of the drugs is not known at press time.
Jahmael SMITH 21 yrs, has been charged with the following offences.
Trafficking a controlled Substance
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Xanax)
Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Possession of Marihuana
and Four counts of Fail to comply with Probation.
The accused will be in Milton Court for a bail hearing on July 26.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact
Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
July 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
At approximately 12:50 p.m. on the 24th of July, 2018, a lone male suspect entered the TD Canada Trust at 1505 Guelph Line in the City of Burlington. The suspect approached a teller and demanded money at which time he was provided a quantity of cash before leaving the bank.
No weapon was seen in the commission of this robbery and there were no injuries.
The suspect walked from the area, last seen heading south west toward Guelph Line.
 Police asking for help in identifying this bank robbery suspect. As observed in the attached photographs the suspect is described as; male, white, 40-50 years of age, with a thin build, short brown/greying hair, an unshaven face, wearing a black Nike Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat, dark sunglasses, a black jacket with white stripes on the sleeve, matching black pants and grey casual shoes.
 Side view of suspected bank robber Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 extension 2316.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 or throught the internet at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
By Staff
July 24th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
On Tuesday July 24, 2018 at approximately 1:55 pm police received a call for 20 year old male who had been stabbed. Police and ambulance attended the area of Mountainside Dr and Guelph Line.
As a result of the initial scene investigation it was determined that the male was stabbed by his 17 year old girlfriend during an argument.
The female was arrested and the victim was transported to hospital for treatment via ambulance. At this time, the injuries to the victim do not appear to be life threatening.
To help protect the identity of the victim and as the suspect is a young offender names are being withheld.
No additional information is expected to be released.
By Staff
July 20th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Imagine looking out the window and seeing someone stealing your car.
 Cst Mitchell with police dog Juno being trained. Another police dog was used to track down the auto thieves. In the early morning hours of July 16th, Halton Police were called to area of Janina Boulevard in the City of Burlington after a citizen witnessed their vehicle being stolen from their driveway. Police attended the area and found the stolen vehicle to be abandoned a short distance away. With the assistance of K9, two suspects were subsequently located and arrested.
Further investigation indicated that the suspects were responsible for several entries to unlocked vehicles in the area and also entered and caused a significant amount of damage to a house under construction. The two youths, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been charged with several property related offences.
Citizens are again reminded to be vigilant in removing all items of value, and keys from their vehicles and ensuring that their vehicles are locked overnight.
Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation are asked to contact Detective Constable Colin Macleod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 9058254747 extension 2357.
 By Staff
July 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The scammers never stop. One of the reasons they keep doing what they do (take your money from you) is because the tricks they use actually work. People respond to those emails that tell you your Netflix account has been shut down or there is a problem with your bank account and you have to get in touch with them right away.
 The scammers are getting better. There was a time that either the spelling errors or the grammar was so bad that you knew it didn’t come from a bank. They have gotten better with the message they send. The Gazette maintains a couple of identities that give us a chance t see what the average Canadians gets. This one came in yesterday:
Dear User
Just to let you know that we noticed unusual activities on your online account during our regular update today. It is either your details have been changed or incomplete.
As a result of the technical issues detected your online account has been temporarily suspended. You are therefore required to verify your details to regain access to online service. Please click the link below in order to regain instant access.
Click here to regain access
The moment to click on that line you will have begun the process of giving the scammer some of the information they need to get access to your bank account. It does happen. Read one of the really sad stories of someone whose bank account was compromised.
TD Canada Trust.
Disclaimer
This email was sent from a notification-only address that does not accept email replies. Please do not reply directly to this email.
Rule number 1; if in doubt – don’t.
Rule number 2 – your bank will not send you this kind of email. They will telephone you.
 By Staff
July 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
At approximately 10:00 am this morning , a citizen reported a motor vehicle driving erratically on Fairview Street in the City of Burlington. Moments later the motor vehicle left the roadway and struck an adult male pedestrian who was walking along the sidewalk.
 The motor vehicle continued moving and struck an adult female who was standing nearby in front of a business. The business was a former restaurant named “Chaps” located at 3419 Fairview Street, Burlington, Ontario. The motor vehicle then collided into the outdoor patio structure of the former restaurant that is adjacent to Fairview Street.
The adult male pedestrian suffered a life threatening injury as one of his legs was amputated below the knee as a result of the impact of the collision. This male victim was taken via air ambulance to the Hamilton General Hospital with life threatening injuries.
The adult female pedestrian was pronounced deceased on the scene of the collision.
The adult male driver of the vehicle was taken by ambulance to the Hamilton General Hospital as a result of head injuries sustained in the collision with the patio structure.
There is currently a road closure on Fairview Street between Woodview Road and Commerce Court in the City of Burlington. The road is expected to be closed for several hours pending the traffic investigation.
The Halton Regional Police Service – Traffic Reconstruction Unit is investigating this fatal motor vehicle collision.
The deceased female pedestrian is 58 years of age and is a resident of the City of Burlington. Police are continuing to attempt next of kin notification.
The male pedestrian injured in this incident is 19 years of age and is a resident of the City of Burlington. His family were notified and are at the hospital with him. He is in serious medical condition at the hospital.
The male driver of the motor vehicle involved in this incident is 73 years of age and is a resident of the City of Burlington. His family was notified and will be attending the hospital. He is in stable medical condition at the hospital.
The investigation is continuing and it is believed that the male driver may have had a medical issue while driving his motor vehicle which may have contributed to the traffic collision.
The police have not released the name of the victims or the driver of the vehicle.
 Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Constable Oliver CAVES or Detective Constable Thien VU of the Halton Regional Police Service – Traffic Reconstruction Unit at 905.825.4747 Ext. 5124 or Ext. 5056 or Ext. 5065
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something?” Contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), or through the web at: www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
By Staff
July 7th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The incident took place in Burlington at about 4:30 am on July 6th when police responded to an area of Ross Street near Olga Drive in Burlington; they had received reports of several gunshots.
The police earned there had been a dispute between a male and female who were acquaintances. The dispute ended when the male displayed a handgun and discharged two rounds towards a shed, in the opposite direction of the female. The male then struck the female in the face and fled to a dark colour SUV which was being driven by an unidentified male. That vehicle was last seen traveling north on Ross Street.
The scene was examined by police and two spent cartridge casings were located and seized for further testing.
Members of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau were able to identify the shooter and managed to locate him and two other males at a restaurant near Square One in Mississauga.
 These are not toys – there were in the hands of people who were in Burlington very early in the morning. One person is accused of firing the gun at least twice while outside a vehicle. At approximately 8:00 PM, plain clothes officers and members of the Halton Regional Police Tactical and Rescue Unit (TRU) were able to arrest the shooter and two other males as they returned to a dark coloured Dodge Durango.
A search of the vehicle and arrested males resulted in the seizure of two loaded semi-automatic handguns and approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of about $1000.
One handgun was located in a centre console while the other was located in the waistband of one of the arrested men.
The origins of the handguns are still under investigation.
Tharshan BALASINGAM (28-yrs) of Brampton was held for bail charged with:
• Pointing a firearm
• Discharge restricted firearm at a place in a reckless manner
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Assault
• Utter threats
• Possession of firearm and ammunition contrary to prohibition order
• Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
Janson JEYAKANTHAN (25-yrs) of Brampton was held for bail charged with:
• Unauthorised possession of a firearm
• Carry concealed weapon
Johan Matthijs VAN DER LEE (26-yrs) of Calgary Alberta was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton court on August 1st 2018 charged with:
• Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca .
By Staff
July 6th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Shortly before 4:30 AM, police responded to the area of Ross Street near Olga Drive in Burlington after receiving reports of several gunshots.
Police have located several casings and are continuing to investigate. No one was injured and circumstances of this shooting are still being sorted out.
Police believe this to have been a targeted act and there is no further risk to the public.
Investigators are seeking witnesses and asking area residents with surveillance cameras to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca .
By Staff
June 29th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
While investigating one car theft police notice some suspicious driving and find they are dealing with a vehicle that had also been stolen. A two for one for the police.
On June 26th 2018 shortly after 11:00 PM, police were called to investigate the theft of a Mercedes SUV that had just occurred on Ascot Place in Burlington.
 Responding officers stopped a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and during the stop the stolen Mercedes was seen approaching but did a U-Turn and sped away. The stopped vehicle, a 2006 Mazda 3 was stolen several days prior from Province St. N. in Hamilton. The driver and sole occupant of this vehicle was arrested and held for bail. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of property that had been stolen from unlocked cars in Burlington.
On June 27th 2018, investigators located the stolen Mercedes SUV parked in the area of Cannon Street and Kenilworth Avenue in Hamilton. At 3:45 PM, a male returned to the vehicle with the keys in hand at which time investigators with assistance from members of the Hamilton Police Service BEAR and HEAT units arrested the male after a foot chase. A search of the stolen vehicle resulted in the recovery of further stolen property taken during vehicle break-ins and a garage break-in.
Brent Andrew COOPER (18-yrs) of Hamilton was the first man arrested. He was released on bail and will appear next in Milton Court on July 25th 2018 charged with the following:
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine)
• Possession of a controlled substance (marihuana)
• Fail to comply with recognizance (two counts)
Michael Raymond ALLEN (18-yrs) of Hamilton was the second man arrested. He was remanded into custody and will appear next in Milton Court on July 3rd 2018 charged with the following:
• Theft of motor vehicle (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (four counts)
• Theft under $5000 (three counts)
• Break and enter
• Fraud under $5000
Police are still investigating numerous other thefts from and of vehicles that have taken place throughout the city of Burlington over the past several months and are urging area residents to not leave valuables or spare keys in their vehicles and ensure the doors are locked when left unattended. Police are also encouraging the public to immediately report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Mark Urie of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2338.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca .
By Staff
June 27th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton Regional Police in Burlington are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a suspect responsible for an early morning robbery at the Circle K gas station at 1170 Guelph Line in Burlington.
 Not much to go on with this picture. On June 25th 2018 at approximately 3:15 AM, a lone male armed with a knife attended the Circle K Esso gas station and confronted an employee who was standing outside the entrance. The suspect ordered the employee inside and demanded money and cigarettes.
At the time of the robbery an employee of a Tim Horton’s located inside the same building saw what was happening and managed to call police from the safety of a locked backroom.
After receiving an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes, the suspect fled on foot and was last seen running south west from the gas station.
Officers responded and a thorough search of the area was completed with the assistance of a police canine however the suspect was not located.
Police are looking for a white male in his late teens or early twenties, with a slim build, 5’7″ to 5’8″ tall wearing dark jeans, long sleeved black shirt, black toque, black gloves and a camouflaged bandana covering his face.
 Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Steve Siomra of the Burlington Criminal Investigations – Robbery Team at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2343.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca .
By Staff
June 20th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
There is no level to which a thief will not descend.
People visiting a cemetery park their cars and leave a purse, maybe a camera, maybe a small computer. They won’t need them during the visit to the burial plot they want to spend some time at.
One can almost imagine the conversation a thief would have with himself – no one will expect anyone to rob a car at a cemetery – but that is exactly what was done at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery earlier this week.
Police have been investigating several thefts from vehicles that have occurred since the beginning of June in Burlington (Aldershot) at the Royal Botanical Gardens and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Suspect(s) gained entry into several vehicles through unlocked doors and by smashing windows after which they stole purses and subsequently used stolen credit cards at various locations in Hamilton.
 On June 18th 2018 investigators arrested Richard James BLASDELL (49-yrs) of Brantford for his involvement in these occurrences. He was released on a Promise to Appear in Milton Court on July 11th 2018 charged with the following offences:
• Theft under $5000 (three counts)
• Fraud under $5000 (two counts)
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 (two counts)
Police are reminding the public of the following prevention tips:
• Ensure your unattended vehicle(s) are kept locked/secure
• Never leave personal identification or valuables in your vehicle
• Park in a well-lit and attended areas whenever possible
• Never leave spare keys in your vehicle
• If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle, lock them in your trunk. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving packages or purses in plain view or on the seat.
• Remove garage door openers, GPS navigation and cell phone devices & power cords from your vehicle or at the least, removed from view
• Consider installing CCTV / Surveillance cameras which can capture the crime and aid in suspect identification
 By Staff
June 19th, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Anyone buying illegal tobacco products is funding organized crime.
 That’s the message Crime Stoppers of Halton is delivering to the public through a promotional campaign to help combat the distribution of illegally manufactured cigarettes.
The initiative is also part of a campaign by several Crime Stoppers programs to create awareness and stop the sale of contraband tobacco products across the Greater Toronto Area.
“We want people to know they are helping finance organized crime activity such as drug smuggling, gun running and human trafficking,” said Detective Constable Jodi Richmond, police coordinator of Halton Crime Stoppers. “A lot of this criminal activity is organized by outlaw motorcycle gangs and the cost to taxpayers runs into the billions of dollars.”
 Richmond also said an increasing number of fire deaths in Ontario are now being blamed on illegal cigarettes which are made without self-extinguishing safeguards.
“So not only are people who buy contraband cigarettes helping organized crime to thrive, but they are also putting lives at risk,” she said. “It’s definitely not a victimless crime.”
Dave Bryans, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association said “The Ontario Convenience Stores are pleased to stand with Halton Crime Stoppers in fight against contraband tobacco that is infiltrating every community in Ontario.
“Today we see contraband reaching epidemic proportions at 37% of all tobacco now being untaxed and illegal with highs in Northern Ontario of 65% +. We are hoping the new PC Government will work with Crime Stoppers and the Convenience Store sector to address this issue and look for solutions to minimize the delivery system in Ontario.”
Related news stories:
By Staff
June 17th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Roger Wilkie has been named Halton Regional Police’s new deputy chief. He joins Deputy Chief Nishan (Nish) Duraiappah and Chief of Police Stephen Tanner as the Senior Command.
 Roger Wilkie – new deputy chief. The decision from the Halton Police Services Board comes after a comprehensive search which considered candidates from across Canada.
Wilkie, a 22-year veteran of the police service will make the jump from his role as superintendent.
Wilkie has served in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, drug enforcement, as a district commander, and most recently as the commander of human resources, training and the emergency services unit.
He also played a key leadership role in the development of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan for the Region of Halton.
By Staff
June 16, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A member of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has been sentenced in relation to an earlier plea of guilty to the charge of Breach of Trust in connection by stealing and/or tampering with seized evidence.
Staff Sergeant Brad Murray, a 16-year-member of the Service, was sentenced to a conditional discharge with three years’ probation. Sentencing took place at the Ontario Court of Justice in Milton on June 7, 2018.
Staff Sergeant Murray still faces discipline under the Police Services Act. Police Services Act proceedings arise out of the same facts that underlie the criminal charges that were laid against Murray in 2017.
“Staff Sergeant Murray remains suspended under the Police Services Act of Ontario, and that suspension is with pay (the only suspension currently allowed under the Act). The internal disciplinary process will now proceed. One of the possible outcomes as a result of the Police Services Act hearing process is dismissal from the service and termination of employment,” said Chief Stephen Tanner.
Murray pled guilty to one count of Breach of Trust in relation to thefts from the Service’s evidence vault.
Murray, a 16-year-member of the Service, was arrested on May 28, 2017 and charged with two counts of Breach of Trust, two counts of Theft Under, and one count of Obstruct Justice. These charges stemmed from an internal audit and a subsequent independent investigation into HRPS drug vault anomalies that occurred between August 2015 and April 2016
Murray was investigated by the Toronto Police Service and prosecuted by a Crown from outside of this jurisdiction to ensure a fair and independent assessment of the evidence.
By Staff
June 16th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A neighbour, who has asked to remain anonymous, reports that Maria Richter was the 94 year old female who was hit by a pick-up truck at the intersection of New Street and Drury Lane earlier this week.
Neighbours spoke very fondly of Maria who lived on Lakeshore Road west of Brant and used a mobility scooter to get around the city.
The initial police investigation had the pick-up truck making a left turn and struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk. She was taken to Hamilton General Hospital by Halton Regional Paramedic Services with life threatening injuries.
The intersection was closed for approximately five hours for investigation.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905 825-4747 ext: 5065.
By Staff
June 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
This news story is Milton based but just too funny not to be shared.
 Couple try to rip open an ATM machine – no luck. On June 1st, 2018 at approximately 12 a.m. a male and female attended a business on Harrop Drive in Milton.
A male entered an open lobby area of the business and attempted to drill and pry open an ATM while a female acted as a lookout. The male made repeated attempts to pry open the ATM but was unable to do so.
The male then attached a towing strap to a pick-up truck and made several more attempts to rip the ATM open. The two remained at the location for over an hour and eventually left in the vehicle without obtaining any cash.
Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives quickly identified the suspects as a husband and wife duo residing in Milton. They were arrested on June 12th and 13th without incident and later released on a promise to appear.
James Matthew TINGLEY 46 years and Tina Louis TINGLEY 33 years, both from Milton are facing charges of theft under $5000, mischief under $5000 and possession of burglary tools. They are scheduled to appear in Milton Court on July 16th.
The ATM is a total loss and is valued at approximately $2500.
Can’t you just see the guy backing his truck up and desperately trying to rip open the ATM. This is the kind of stuff they make movies about.
The trial should be a hoot – wonder what the defence should be?
People charged with a criminal offence are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Detectives from the One District Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) have concluded an investigation into a failed Milton ATM Heist.
By Staff
June 14th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
A little after 12:00 PM, yesterday, police responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a rural home on No. 1 Side Road near Walkers Line in the City of Burlington.
Officers arrived on scene to find a female in the garage. The female attempted to flee on foot but was quickly arrested.
The female was found to be in possession of a screwdriver, two socks believed to be used as gloves and a two-way radio.
The area was searched for her accomplice / get-away driver which proved negative. Officers believe the woman was able to alert them prior to her arrest.
Maria WASZKOWSKA (65-yrs-old) of Poland was held for bail charged with break & enter and possession of break-in instruments.
WASZKOWKSA was also found to have a Canada wide Immigration warrant for her arrest since 2004.
Anyone with information on these crimes is encouraged to contact Detective Jared McLeod of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747 Ext. 2385
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
 By Staff
June 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
They come in all shapes and sizes – they are crafty, innovative and 100% scam.
They want to steal your money.
A Gazette reader passed this one along.
Summons Notice
07-CV-2018-910105.10
Filed On 2018/5/25 13:51 KST
– You Are Being Sued
– You Have 12 Days After Receiving This Summons To File A Written Answer With The Court And Serve A Copy On The Other Party Or Take Other Lawful Action With The Court.
25 Days If You Were Served Outside Of Province.
– If You Do Not Answer Or Take Other Action Within The Time Allowed, Judgment May Be Entered Against You .
**** Notice To Defendant ****
– We Are Notifying You Of The Hearing Date And Time Of This Case By Information Attached .
-If The Defendant Fails To Appear In Court, A Default Judgment May Be Entered Against The Defendant For The Relief Sought By The Plaintiff.
You Must Read And Print Attachment And Follow The Instructions Shown Therein.
You never get to know who they are – they want to know a lot about you. Don’t respond. The moment you read and print the attachment the scam artist has begun the process of gathering information about you.
The cardinal rule on this stuff is Don’t.
If in doubt ask someone what it means.
Just don’t clock on the read button and don’t print the document.
By Staff
June 13th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
Daniel Richard FLENNIKEN, a 23 years old Waterdown resident was located and arrested without incident early on Tuesday.
Police were looking for Flenniken after a stabbing that took place outside the Poacher Pub on Pearl Street.
 Daniel Richard Flenniken Flenniken was charged with the following:
Assault with a Weapon
Assault Cause Bodily Harm
Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Failure to Comply with Probation Order
FLENNIKEN was released on a Promise to Appear and an Undertaking and will appear in Milton Court on July 4th, 2018.
Anyone who may have any further information pertaining to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Jared McLeod of the HRPS Burlington Criminal Investigation Bureau 905-825-4747 ext. 2385 or Crime Stoppers “See Something, Hear Something, Know Something – Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
The observation that an individual, currently on probation, is arrested for a serious crime, for which he has yet to be found guilty, is released on bail a second time, begs the question – how well is our justice system working and how are police able to protect the public if this is how the system operates.
By Pepper Parr
June 12, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
There is a lot a police officer can do from the seat of his cruiser. He has access to a huge range of information from staff at the Communications Centre.
There are however times when the police have to set up a command station in the field. They need space to work in and the ability to communicate with people at several levels of authority.
 Halton Regional Police Mobile Command has two buses – with almost every imaginable piece of equipment- except weapons. There was a time when police had the use of a small trailer they could work out of. The Halton Regional Police now have two buses that can go almost everywhere and set up a command post.
The larger of the two is 32 feet, the small one is 23 feet. The larger unit has yet to have to go into the field on an assignment. The smaller unit has been used a few times.
The two vehicles that are now fully operational and able to move on a couple of minutes notice came in at a cost of $850,000 – and they have everything – including a very small kitchen sink.
 The major Mobile Command bus has an aerial with cameras, a satellite dish and a wall that slides out when the vehicle gets into operation. The two vehicles have a civilian whose full time job is to keep the buses ready to go at a moment’s notice and to ensure that the technology inside the buses is always ready to go. Equipment glitches aren’t tolerated.
The Regional police went through a six month exercise to determine just what there might be or could be in the way of a public safety circumstance and what would be needed in terms of equipment and technology to meet the situation.
Each of the business units was asked what they saw as the need and what they felt was needed.
The Region of Halton is a large sprawling jurisdiction that runs from north of highway 401 to Lake Ontario with Hamilton on the west and the Region of Peel on the east.
Rail lines and the busiest highway in the province run through the top part of the Region.
A team of six people spent six months researching the need and then determining what was needed in the way of equipment.
The decision was to have two vehicles – both were custom built based on a standard bus frame. The larger of the two runs on diesel fuel that drives the 300 horse power engine.
The equipment is kept operating with a 16,000 watt generator. When the command unit arrives on a site the driver engages the pop out that extends one side of the vehicle. If you look at the photograph you can see the extension.
 The wall of screens can take a data feed from a number of sources including a twitter feed related to a public safety event. Six different feeds at the same time are possible. The communications include the basic police walkie talkie that broadcasts over a secure network, a standard land line, cell phones and a satellite telephone.
There is an aerial with a camera that can pick up and hold an image more than a football field in length away.
 HRPS Inspector Derek Davis heads up the Mobile Command. To his right here is a satellite phone, a walkie talkie to communicate with police cruisers, a land line and cell lines The larger of the two command vehicles can hold 9 people at consoles and an additional four people working inside the bus.
There is every imaginable piece of communications equipment with large screens everywhere.
The main operations table is about the size of a door with a huge screen that works with Google maps and can zoom in and out. A command officer can mark off an area and zoom in for a tighter look.
The feed from the camera can be brought to any one of the screens giving everyone in the vehicle a very close look at what is happening live outside the bus.
The technology can have eight different data feeds coming in at the same time. The operator can switch from one data feed to another and if need be split a screen to increase the amount of information in front of the people managing the situation.
 A table with a screen the size of a door can take a data feed from a number of sources. Google maps allows the police to zoom in and out and isolate an area and send the image to others. The second smaller mobile command is intended to handle situations in the field where a police negotiator is required.
The Regional police can be in instant communication with the OPP, the RCMP and the Canadian Armed forces if necessary.
They plug in to the Regions 911 communications centre giving them access to every piece of information you can imagine and then some you wouldn’t think of.
The police are fully conversant with social media and are able to link into twitter feeds to keep up with what the public is saying in the online world.
 The seating area in Mobile 2 – intended for use when a negotiator is required and as a back up. The mobile command bus doesn’t use keys to access the vehicle – entry is via a card – with just the people who might need to get into the vehicle having access.
There is a video screen and a small desk built into the outside of the bus so that people who do not have to be inside still have access to data and visual information.
In an age where information is what solves crimes and allows people to manage situations where public safety is the issue these two mobile commands will serve the public very well.
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