Pubdate: Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Source: Barrie Examiner (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2317
Author: Glenn Wilkins

BARRIE COPS GOING "PROACTIVE"

New Aggressive Strategy Makes Debut Soon

Gangs, guns, drugs and violence will not gain a foothold in Barrie, 
if an aggressive new strategy announced this week by the police works.

Barrie Police plan to put the proactive enforcement intiative into 
effect very soon, as a result of the recent increased gang activity 
within Barrie, as well as disturbing reports of rampant gun violence 
in the GTA.

In just the last few months, Barrie has witnessed two shootings 
related to drug activity. On Wednesday of last week, two plainclothes 
officers were assaulted trying to arrest 10 people for various drug charges.

Sgt. Dave Goodbrand, Barrie Police media spokesman, said in a release 
the strategy will involve uniformed, plainclothes, intelligence and 
tactical officers. "The initiative will continually be assessed to 
ensure we are targeting areas and group of people that are 
contributing to public disorder associated to these areas."

"With Barrie's close promixity to the GTA", the release goes on to 
say, "drugs, guns and gang activity (are) now making (their) way into 
our community. This is a strategic proactive approach that will 
attempt these issues and make Barrie a safer community."

Goodbrand also says police are taking a proactive initiative towards 
minor incidents in the downtown core that could possibly lead to 
something bigger - things like public intoxication, loitering, 
littering, panhandling.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman