You Have Had Decades To Deal With The Problems.....

....and except for a few dedicated people, who are outnumbered by self serving social in-activists, you have done little to rid yourself of the problem by coming forward when a crime is committed.

Area protests police 'siege mentality'

By TAMARA CHERRY, SUN MEDIA

Residents from the Jane-Finch community have arranged a march on their local police station today protesting what they call a "siege mentality."

Flyers circulating around the neighbourhood urged residents to meet at Jane St. and Finch Ave. W. at 5 p.m. before walking to nearby 31 Division with a letter appealing for police "to stop the violence and ... stay within the law when working in our community."

"Our children, youth and parents are living in fear. Our youth are being harassed, profiled, insulted, brutalized and hospitalized by individuals who are employed to serve and protect us," the flyer said.

'NEVER REALLY GONE AWAY'

A press release put out by organizers cited "the recent TAVIS (Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy) program and conduct of individual police officers as creating a siege mentality" in the area.

"Concerns around policing were one of the focal points (25 years ago) and, unfortunately, they've never really gone away," said lawyer Glenn Stuart, who worked with the Community and Legal Aid Services Program in the area for several years. "Recently there have been some incidents where youth have been subjects of violence at the hands of police. That, I think, has brought concerns to the forefront again."

Toronto Police refused to comment last night on the rally.

Stuart acknowledged it is likely "a small number" of officers creating tension with residents, but said "the silent majority don't take ownership for that minority."