Chief Bill Blair Condemns Councillor's 'Call In The Army' Request
Wrong to call for army Dec. 07, 2007
Clearly, City Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti and many Toronto residents are frustrated about the current wave of gang violence that haunts parts of his northwest Toronto ward.
T.O. councillor wants army to battle gang violence
toronto.ctv.ca
A Toronto councillor wants to bring in the army to curb the gun and gang violence plaguing his troubled north ward.
Giorgio Mammoliti, who represents York West, admits the idea may be a little "out there," but he says he is desperate to find a solution. He says gang members in the area are as bad as terrorists.
"I'm not talking about tanks, I'm not talking about armed guards on corners, I'm not talking about any of that," Mammoliti said of his plan on Thursday.
"I'm talking about bringing the resources and the tools that the army has at their fingertips to be able to resolve the problem immediately, so the army is a good way to do that."
The councillor's controversial comments come a day after as many as 15 gunshots rang in the area during a morning shootout. Two people were involved in the gun battle near Sheppard and Keele Avenues, and police arrested 27-year-old Richardo Shackleford and charged him with attempted murder and numerous firearms offences.
No one was hurt during the incident, but a nearby elementary school was locked down for a short time. Some city workers narrowly escaped injury when a bullet pierced their truck.
Police say there are high levels of violence in the district, which has seen 14 murders so far this year.
Chief denounces plan
Later in the day, Police Chief Bill Blair issued a statement, saying Mammoliti's comments were "a disservice" to police and citizens.
"The anti-violence strategies of the Toronto Police Service, together with the co-operation and commitment of the residents of communities affected by violence, have in fact led to an increase in the number of arrests in such incidents," Blair said.
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Mammoliti chose to make the remarks he did without knowing the facts."
Residents in the community seemed mixed on Mammoliti's idea.
"I think at this point, yeah, it would be a silly idea," said one woman. "There are other things that I think needs to be done in the area."
One man said more police officers would make the community safer, while another resident said the councillor's idea should be considered.
"I know the army sounds extreme, but right now, what's important is our children, our elderly, every day people on the street," the woman said.
"I think the community should come together, and every other community, and help and be supportive."
Former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman called in the army in 2000 to help the city dig out of a major snowstorm. The move received much criticism.
With a report from CTV's Naomi Parness
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