Toronto Police’s newcomer outreach program launched

Toronto Police’s newcomer outreach program launched

On February 23, 2006 the Toronto Police Service launched the Newcomer Outreach Program. This was a community event that brought together many local social agencies at Police Headquarters. Police Chief William Blair was present along with officers from the Community Mobilization Unit. The social agencies representing the Philippine Community were: Filipino Centre, Kababayan and Silayan Centres.
The objective of the Program is to provide new immigrants with information on police services in Toronto, information on how to access those services, and to explain some of their rights and responsibilities under Canadian law.

The Toronto Police Service has created a number of resources that individuals and groups can access to find out more about police services in Toronto. These resources include:

Newcomer Outreach Website: “Guide to Police Services in Toronto” (Pamphlet); “Guide to Police Services in Toronto”( DVD); Lessons Plans; Translated Pamphlet List

All this information can be accessed through the Toronto Police service website at
www.TorontoPolice.on.ca and clicking on the “Newcomer Outreach” link.

The “Guide to Police Services in Toronto” contains information about 9-1-1 services and other topics such as:

• Contacting the police.

• How do I become a police officer?

• What do I do when police come to my home?

• What if someone doesn’t speak or understand English?

• Do I have to answer the officer’s questions or identify myself?

• What are my rights if I am arrested?

• When can a police officer search me?

• What if someone is arrested and they don’t speak English?

• What should I do when an officer approaches me on the street?

• Does the officer have to tell me the reason for the stop?

(PRESS RELEASE)