Pubdate: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 Source: Jamaica Observer (Jamaica) Contact: 2002 The Jamaica Observer Ltd, Website: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1127 TORONTO'S TOP COP TO VISIT Police Chief Eyes Co-Operation With Jamaica AGAINST a backdrop of increasing Jamaican involvement in crimes in Canada, Toronto police chief Julian Fantino is scheduled to arrive here on February 10 for three days of talks that local security officials expect will strengthen the relationship between both countries' police forces. "The visit may result in greater co-operation between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Toronto police," a Ministry of National Security spokesman told the Observer yesterday. During his visit, Fantino is expected to have talks with Commissioner Francis Forbes and other members of the police high command; the permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Gilbert Scott and National Security Minister Dr Peter Phillips. According to the security ministry spokesman, Fantino will get an idea of the measures Jamaica has taken to stem the international drug trade and share his experiences in crime prevention. Local officials are also hoping that the visit will lay the foundation for assistance from Canada for the island's law enforcement agencies. Since he assumed the national security portfolio more than a year ago, Phillips has sought and received technical and financial assistance worth millions of dollars, mainly from America and Britain, for the island's police. The aid has come in the form of safety equipment, vehicles and training. Yesterday, the security ministry official confirmed that Fantino's visit was partly influenced by the involvement, in recent months, of Jamaicans in crimes in Canada. His talks, therefore, will likely explore the sharing of intelligence, as well as other avenues of collaboration. Fantino, who has more than 20 years' service in law enforcement, started his career as a security guard at Yorkdale Mall in North York, Canada. He later joined the Toronto force and began walking a beat before moving into undercover drug work and then becoming a detective, working in intelligence gathering, and the homicide squad. He spent 23 years with the Toronto police, moving up the ranks to acting staff superintendent, before leaving in 1991 to take the top police job in London. Seven years later, he returned to Toronto as police chief. He has been described as a "staunch advocate for the principles of integrity, honesty and accountability in policing" and gained a reputation as a no-nonsense cop. His visit will come exactly one week after a Jamaican delegation returns home from three days of meetings with Jamaicans in Canada and Canadian media. The delegation, which leaves the island today, comprises representatives of the Ministry of National Security, the police force and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager