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Windsor police promise change with census

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The makeup of  Windsor police is 86.7 per cent white, according to a recent census that the force is hoping will help it make up for the shortcomings in representing the community it serves.

It’s just the third police force in Canada to conduct a census. Done between May 24 and Aug. 31, it was an initiative of the Windsor police service human rights project team

“It really gives us a clear snapshot of who we are as an organization in relation to gender, religion, faith, beliefs, colour, and we’re going to take that information and apply it and use it as best we can throughout all of our processes, recruitment, transfers, promotions, whatever way we see it fits, that’s acceptable, we’re going to use that information,” said Chief Al Frederick.

“And it provides us a baseline and in a couple of years we’re going to do it again.”

Toronto and Ottawa are the only other police services to have conducted a census.

The 11.1 per cent of officers who identified themselves as a visible minority is well below that of the community at 21 per cent.

Also, the service is significantly male-dominated, with 70 per cent of sworn members being men. Frederick said the issue of attracting women is a concern to police services across the province.

“Most police forces are struggling with attracting females to the profession and it’s a requirement,” said Frederick.

“We are struggling with that, we have made some great outreaches. A number of years ago it was not such a struggle to get female applicants. It’s much more of a struggle today.”

The census also found that 79 per cent of officers are 35 years of age or older, four out of five are are legally married or in a common-law relationship, and 83 per cent identify with a religion, half of those being Catholic.

Also, the census found there is diversity in the ethnic or cultural origin of the grandparents of officers, but 80 per cent are of British Isles or European origins. Almost 90 per cent of officers were born in Ontario.

About three per cent of the officers identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning.

Frederick said the service will use the data to focus on recruiting from under-represented groups.

“We’re trying to produce initiatives under the human rights project charter in attracting people from all faiths and backgrounds of every ethnicity in the city, to be more reflective of the community,” said Frederick.

“It’s not so easy. We get a lot of people that come out to our functions, that come out to our blitzes, that kind of thing, but they don’t follow through.”

Census co-ordinator Insp. Rick Facciolo said that while the police force might never completely reflect the community as a whole, it’s worth a try.

“We may never, ever achieve the exact numbers that are out there,” said Facciolo. “We may never exceed them, we may fall below. But that’s OK.”



Police investigation of DSC a matter of life or death, says former member

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About two weeks ago, former DSC Lifestyle member Brian Barker spent the better part of a day at the RCMP’s Windsor detachment, poring over the documents that show how much of his money has disappeared.

Barker said the officers listened to his story and the story of a fellow investor he brought with him. They made notes and thanked them for their time.

Barker is taking every action he can think of to get the authorities to do something about the personal finance company that has shattered his financial security and that of people across the country and the region, refusing to give back the money people invested and leaving clients to deal with hefty penalties from the Canada Revenue Agency after referring them to tax preparers who have since been criminally charged. But he said he’s not optimistic.

“The RCMP is saying, well, we’ve got bigger things. But they don’t realize how big this is,” Barker said. “There are a lot of people who are on the verge of jumping off cliffs, jumping off buildings. And it’s going to happen.”

Barker’s story is now sadly familiar – a Ford employee who believed the company’s promised high returns would help him weather some tough financial times, he’s now delaying retirement instead after tens of thousands of dollars he invested disappeared. He said he’s been pressing the many fellow DSC members he works with to do what he’s doing – complain to police, complain to the Ontario Securities Commission, consider filing a lawsuit, go public with their stories.

Most are reluctant to do so. The vast majority of the 33 families who have contacted The Star since the publication of the first article about the personal finance company have said they don’t want their names and stories published because they’re too ashamed.

Even Barker declined to have his picture published, saying people remember faces longer than they remember names.

Det. Glenn Gervais of the Windsor police financial crimes branch said the publication of every story in The Star prompts more DSC members to pick up the phone and ask police for help. But none of them have come to the station to give a statement, he said, and at this point Windsor police are not actively investigating.

Instead, Gervais said he’s been referring people to the RCMP or suggesting they consider filing a civil lawsuit. The Windsor detachment of the RCMP confirmed officers are aware of the situation, but refused to say how many complaints they have received and whether they are launching an investigation.

“It’s upsetting, at times, to talk to these people when you realize they’re out their money. Sometimes it’s money they worked for their entire life. But sometimes it’s upsetting from our standpoint when we realize, you know what, in this particular case, there’s not much I can do to help you,” Gervais said. “In some cases, even if we were to lay a criminal charge, that’s not going to get the people their money back.”

Gervais said if the RCMP or another police agency does decide to investigate, it will be expensive, complicated and time-consuming – and not necessarily successful.

Roger Blair, left, and Jeff Eshun of DSC Lifestyle Services.

Roger Blair, left, and Jeff Eshun of DSC Lifestyle Services.

In order to secure a conviction, the prosecutor would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to defraud investors. If the accused argues in court that he fully intended to pay investors the promised returns but was unable to do so when things didn’t go as planned, that can be enough to clear him, Gervais said.

Losing a client’s money on a poor, but honest, investment isn’t illegal, but selling investments without a licence is. DSC co-directors Ingram “Jeff” Eshun and Roger Blair are not licensed to sell investments in Ontario and neither is Roger’s brother Bruce Blair, who is still promoting personal finance services in Windsor.

Provincial securities commissions are the organizations responsible for protecting investors by enforcing laws about trading stocks and selling investments. Two months ago, the British Columbia Securities Commission fined and permanently banned Eshun and his West Coast associate Maisie Smith after ruling they sold securities to 81 investors without being licensed to do so.

The order only bans Eshun and Smith from operating in British Columbia, however, and emails to clients obtained by The Star suggest Eshun has since left the country for Dubai. Not long after Barker complained to the Ontario Securities Commission and forwarded the articles about DSC published in The Star, the organization issued a notice that it plans to hold a hearing on Wednesday to seek an order to ban Eshun and Smith from selling investments in Ontario as well, based on the findings of the investigation in British Columbia.

The order wouldn’t stop Bruce and Roger Blair from continuing to operate, however. Smith appealing the British Columbia Securities Commission’s decision and neither Smith nor Eshun have made any payments on the almost $7 million in fines and repayment orders they owe the commission and investors.

Gervais said a successful civil case against the DSC agents who convinced people to invest money that later went missing might result in a court order to pay the money back. But just like the British Columbia Securities Commission found, ordering someone to pay restitution or fines is one thing and getting them to actually do it is another, especially if the accused has left the country, hidden his assets or declared bankruptcy.

The ultimate lesson is buyer beware, Gervais said. Investors have a responsibility to ensure they’re getting involved in legal, legitimate, licensed deals.

“I’ve literally had people on the phone almost in tears, saying, ‘I need you to get my money back.’ And that’s not something the police do,” Gervais said. “We can’t function as a collection agency for people who make investments. All we can do is lay charges if charges are warranted and allow the courts to deal with it.”

On Wednesday evening, about 30 people whose finances have been affected by DSC Lifestyle came to a meeting hosted by tax lawyer Dale Barrett at the Caboto Club.

Barrett is representing about 40 people from the Windsor region and about 200 people across the country who are fighting hefty repayment orders and gross negligence penalties from the Canada Revenue Agency after they allowed a group known as the Fiscal Arbitrators prepare their taxes. Associates of the organization and the DSC agents who referred clients to them told people the tax preparation method, which initially triggered huge refunds for many people, was based on a legitimate legal loophole.

The CRA disagreed, reassessing participants and charging two Fiscal Arbitrators with defrauding the Canadian government.

Barrett gave a presentation with general tax tips and methods for recognizing illegitimate schemes, but people in attendance had heated questions and comments for Barrett and each other about their financial problems and the people who got them into them. Barrett’s appeal on behalf of a large group of clients is expected to go to tax court in several months.

 Dale Barrett from Barrett Tax Law speaks at the Caboto Club in Windsor on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Barrett offered advice to those who have found themselves with tax problems.                   (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

Dale Barrett from Barrett Tax Law speaks at the Caboto Club in Windsor on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Barrett offered advice to those who have found themselves with tax problems. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

 Dale Barrett from Barrett Tax Law speaks at the Caboto Club in Windsor on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Barrett offered advice to those who have found themselves with tax problems.                   (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

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Officer faces discreditable conduct charge

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A Windsor police officer has pleaded not guilty to a discreditable conduct charge after allegedly threatening his estranged wife in an email.

Sgt. Mark Stock sent an email to Manon Blanchette in April 2012. Blanchette perceived a statement near the end of the email as threatening and a form of harassment and bullying, she said during a Police Act hearing Tuesday.

The end of the email stated: “Thanks for costing me nine days of pay. This will not be forgotten!!!,” written in a bold, all-caps red font.

The nine days he was required to work unpaid is related to an informal discipline he was given a month earlier regarding a fax he sent Blanchette during their divorce proceedings. He sent the fax while at work and it contained Windsor Police Service letterhead. He was reprimanded for misusing police resources.

Stock said during the hearing that he never meant for the comments in the email to be threatening.

“I was simply telling her that her original complaint cost me nine days pay,” said Stock. “The only meaning to the statement would be to inform Ms. Blanchette to the outcome of her complaint – that there was nine days pay for this and that I’m not going to forget this and all this stuff that she keeps bringing upon me. I’m not going to forget it and keep giving in to her all the time.”

The email was sent in response to Blanchette who had wanted to switch Stock’s access days to their two daughters – which were judge-ordered – to allow her to be able to have them on Easter.

Prosecutor Bob Labute, an inspector with Windsor Police Service, said there were other less-aggressive ways Stock could have expressed his thoughts in the email.

“That was a blaming statement,” Labute told Stock during cross-examination. “Three exclamation points, bold and in red. You can’t understand how that can be at the minimum bullying or harassing?”

Stock said there was nothing harassing or threatening about the email at all.

Defence lawyer Maria Carroccia, brought up a day in Feb. 2009, which Blachette filled up Stock’s voicemail with messages that were filled with obsenities and name-calling. She also said in some of the messages, Blanchette stated she hopes Stock dies and rots in hell.

“I’m not trying to embarrass you. I’m trying to show you that you both engaged in behaviour you may not be proud of,” said Carroccia.

The hearing will resume Thursday morning with closing arguments from the defence and prosecution.

Hearing officer Michael Langlois, superintendent with the Windsor Police Service, said he will have his decision within around three weeks.

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Thank you, Windsor Police, for kindness during difficult time

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On behalf of our family, relatives and many friends, we would like to thank the Windsor Police Service for their kindness and compassion during a very difficult time.

Their efforts and constant communication with us helped ease a tough and tense situation. Although our mother has a long road ahead of her in recovery, the streets are a safer place and we take solace in that.

Hopefully, the justice system will finish the job.

RICHARD SOLOMON and Family, Windsor


Man charged with careless driving after striking a pole

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A Windsor man has been charged with careless driving after a vehicle struck a pole early Saturday and the driver fled the scene.

Windsor police Staff Sgt. Christine Bissonnette said Saturday shortly before 4 a.m., a man in his early 20s drove his vehicle into a pole at Eugenie Street and Howard Avenue.

The driver fled the scene but was later located by police and charged with suspended driving, failing to remain on scene, careless driving and breach of probation, Bissonnette said.

The man was not injured and his vehicle was towed.

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Windsor police arrest two home invasion suspects

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Windsor police have arrested two men in relation to a Wednesday morning home invasion.

Det. Chris Dupuis said that shortly before 6 a.m. a home in the 1300 block of Elm Avenue was broken into.

Dupuis wouldn’t divulge details of the break-in, including how many people were in the house at the time, but said an occupant suffered minor injuries.

Police arrested two men in relation to the incident today around 2 p.m., Dupuis said.

“It’s an active ongoing investigation so I can’t really say more than that,” he said. “But two people are under arrest, so the public is safe.”

An elderly neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was surprised when she woke to see three police cars outside her house.

“It’s scary,” she said Wednesday night. “This is a pretty quiet neighbourhood. There’s usually no trouble.”

The woman said she believes a middle-aged man and woman live in the house.

Dupuis said police will release more information Thursday.

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Windsor police honour 13-year-old among civilian heroes (With gallery)

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Jaden Shaw was home alone watching TV on a Saturday night when he heard a commotion outside. What he saw when he opened the front door was a scene of shocking violence: a man repeatedly stabbing a woman with a knife in the front yard of the house across the street.

“There was a lot of blood,” said Shaw, who is just 13 years old. But he didn’t let that stop him. He rushed across the street, pulled the man away and grabbed what he could to stop the blood flowing from the woman’s abdomen and thigh.

“I didn’t even think about the knife,” he said, describing the May 4 incident. “I wasn’t thinking about any of that.”

While the suspect fled on a bicycle — he was later arrested by police — Shaw focused on stopping the bleeding using the woman’s sweatshirt. What he remembers next, he said, was a lot of lights and sirens.

“I’ve never felt like that before,” Shaw said on Tuesday night after receiving a standing ovation at the Windsor Police Service’s 25th annual awards dinner. He and nine other civilians received awards for heroism. “I still think I might be in shock.”

Police said the victim is expected to make a full recovery.

Barbara Brazier, a fellow award recipient, said she was just doing what she had to do when helped rescue her neighbour from his burning house in early December.

Brazier said it was her neighbour Brian McCormick, who could not attend the dinner, who deserves praise because he noticed the flames first.”I’m just grateful I was able to help,” she said.

Gabe Voycey, the 15-year-old Walkerville high school student who last September spent two hours scrubbing the graffiti off the First World War veterans’ monument in Memorial Park, was also presented with an award.

As well, Ashley Brunette, Derek Iwanicki, George Jouljian, and MP Brian Masse received plaques for stopping to help a man injured in a rollover accident on E.C. Row Expressway in March. The victim later died.

Tow truck driver Lorne Mercer was honoured for helping keep a drunk driver off the road. Last June he spotted an impaired driver along Riverside Drive West. He alerted police and managed to block the car in a parking spot until officers arrived.

Also recognized at the ceremony were a number of sworn and civilian members of Windsor police for 20 and 30 years of service, as well as police officers serving in the army.

Windsor police Chief Al Frederick said he was in awe of these everyday Windsorites’ actions and also extremely proud of his colleagues in uniform. Frederick said he was so overwhelmed by Shaw’s story that he fast-tracked the award — since the incident happened in May, the award would have ordinarily been presented at the 2014 dinner.

Shaw’s mother Simone said she could not believe her son received such an important honour. “He’s amazed me,” she said. “He’s got good instincts.”

Shaw said the experience has changed the way he thinks.

“I look at things differently,” he said. “I feel like I can do more to help people.”

bfantoni@windsorstar.com or Twitter.com/bfantoni

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Gabe Voycey with a during the Windsor Police Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Gabe Voycey with a during the Windsor Police Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 

Windsor Police Const. Sean Rhoads is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Const. Sean Rhoads is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Military Service award recipient during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Military Service award recipient during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Sr. Const. Mike Akapata, centre, is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Sr. Const. Mike Akapata, centre, is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Eric Bialkowski from Drive Logistics with a Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Eric Bialkowski from Drive Logistics with a Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Barbara Brazier with a Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Barbara Brazier with a Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left, George Jouljian, Brian Masse, Ashley Brunette, and Derek Iwanicki display their Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left, George Jouljian, Brian Masse, Ashley Brunette, and Derek Iwanicki display their Windsor Police Service Citizen Awards during the annual dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Lorne Mercer with a citizen award during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Lorne Mercer with a citizen award during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police SPC. John Nayduk, centre,  is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police SPC. John Nayduk, centre, is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, SPC. John Nayduk,  Const. David Repko,  Sr. Const. Mike Akapata,  Sgt. Wren Dosant,  RCMP Sr. Const.Walter Silver, Const. Julie Matte, CBSA officer Kyle Hardy,  Sr. Const. Terry Dodich, Sr. Const. Leigh-ann Godwin, and Sgt. Steve Lamarche during the annual police awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, SPC. John Nayduk, Const. David Repko, Sr. Const. Mike Akapata, Sgt. Wren Dosant, RCMP Sr. Const.Walter Silver, Const. Julie Matte, CBSA officer Kyle Hardy, Sr. Const. Terry Dodich, Sr. Const. Leigh-ann Godwin, and Sgt. Steve Lamarche during the annual police awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 Military Service award recipient during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Military Service award recipient during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Windsor Fire Service Chief Fire Prevention officer Lee Tome with a citizen award during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick, left, presents Windsor Fire Service Chief Fire Prevention officer Lee Tome with a citizen award during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Const. Brandon Smillie,  Const. Surjeet Gill,  and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  Const. Brandon Smillie,  Const. Surjeet Gill received a certificate of commendation.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Const. Brandon Smillie, Const. Surjeet Gill, and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. Const. Brandon Smillie, Const. Surjeet Gill received a certificate of commendation.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Staff Sgt. John Richards, centre, is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Staff Sgt. John Richards, centre, is awarded the Recognition of Military Service award during the Windsor Police Awards Dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Mary Sennett,  second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Mary Sennett, second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Const. Brandon Smillie,  Const. Surjeet Gill,  and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  Const. Brandon Smillie,  Const. Surjeet Gill received a certificate of commendation.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Const. Brandon Smillie, Const. Surjeet Gill, and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. Const. Brandon Smillie, Const. Surjeet Gill received a certificate of commendation.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

 Roberta Morgan, second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for twenty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Roberta Morgan, second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for twenty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont,  Supt. Mike Langlois , Det. Gregory Meloche, , and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  Det. Gregory Meloche received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Supt. Mike Langlois , Det. Gregory Meloche, , and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. Det. Gregory Meloche received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Ann Heaton second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for twenty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Ann Heaton second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for twenty year civilian service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Sgt. Alan Thompson, second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Sgt. Alan Thompson, second from right, receives a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service during the Windsor Police Awards dinner.(JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont,  Supt. Mike Langlois , Staff Sgt. John Richards, and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  Staff Sgt. John Richards received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left Windsor Police Const. Deanna Lamont, Supt. Mike Langlois , Staff Sgt. John Richards, and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. Staff Sgt. John Richards received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for thirty years of service. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left, Windsor Police Superintendent Mike Langlois, Const. Deanna Lamont, Insp. Riccardo Facciolo and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario.  Insp. Riccardo Facciolo received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for Thirty Years of service.  (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

From left, Windsor Police Superintendent Mike Langlois, Const. Deanna Lamont, Insp. Riccardo Facciolo and Chief Al Frederick during the Windsor Police Awards dinner at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on May 14, 2013 in Windsor, Ontario. Insp. Riccardo Facciolo received a Canadian Exemplary Service Award for Thirty Years of service. (JASON KRYK/ The Windsor Star)

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New mobile command centre sought for Windsor police and firefighters (with video)

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Windsor’s police and fire departments are in the process of designing a new mobile command centre that could carry a price tag of more than $1 million.

But the leaders of both agencies say the costly piece of equipment will actually save the city money — by replacing two obsolete vehicles.

“It’s way overdue for our organizations,” said Police Chief Al Frederick on Tuesday.

Frederick acknowledged that spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on one vehicle is “a very expensive proposition,” but he believes the fact that the new command centre will be a shared asset demonstrates fiscal responsibility.

Currently, the Windsor Police Service and Windsor Fire & Rescue Services each have their own mobile command centre.

Both vehicles were built out of converted city buses and date back 20 to 30 years apiece.

They’re meant to be used for major situations where multiple units need to be co-ordinated at a scene.

Fire Chief Bruce Montone said his department’s current command centre is so old that it’s not worth the maintenance costs, and its features are so out-of-date that it can’t meet operational needs. “It’s past its usefulness. It’s getting tired,” he said.

Deputy fire chief Brian McLaughlin shows the inside of Windsor Fire & Rescue's mobile command centre - a converted bus that dates back to the early 1980s. Photographed May 15, 2013. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)

Deputy Fire Chief Brian McLaughlin shows the inside of Windsor Fire & Rescue’s mobile command centre – which dates back to the early 1980s. Photographed May 15, 2013. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)

Montone said the fire department has been setting aside funds for years to buy a replacement. About $750,000 is currently budgeted.

Frederick said WPS has been doing the same. Last year, he and Montone began discussions on partnering for the purchase.

“Do we really need two?” Montone said on Tuesday. “This way, neither one of us is going to have to spend all the money we have, and we’ll end up with something we can both use on a regular basis.”

Frederick said the current WPS mobile command centre is “full of rot,” having spent long periods parked in a compound without maintenance.

“It is old,” added deputy police chief Rick Derus. “It didn’t even start the last time we tried to get it out for a call … It is just not functioning. If we can’t get it to the scene, it doesn’t do us much good.”

Derus and deputy fire chief Brian McLaughlin have been working together on the design of the replacement unit.

The new vehicle is expected to be equipped with a suite of communications technology fully compatible with WPS and Windsor Fire comm systems.

Montone said the goal is for the mobile unit to be capable of serving as a complete back-up communication centre, available at any moment.

Elsewhere on board, there will be meeting space for incident management and strategic decision-making.

As well, the unit should be able to provide on-site support for specific scenarios such as homicide investigations, barricaded individuals, hazardous materials, natural catastrophes, and crowd control.

Asked to estimate the total cost, Frederick said he’s heard of other municipalities investing from $700,000 to more than $1 million on similar vehicles.

No specific deadlines for the project have been set, but Montone and Frederick hope a final design and report will be ready to go before council for approval by late summer, with a request for tender before the end of the year.

Asked how often Windsor’s fire department deploys its current mobile command centre, Montone replied that it’s “infrequently” used.

Montone said part of the reason for that are issues with the equipment: Not all firefighting staff have the training to drive a bus. “It causes us some challenges,” he admitted.

The chief said one of the considerations in the design of the new vehicle is that it will handle more like a fire truck — allowing for a broader range of drivers.

“It’s not something that you use every day,” Montone said. “You use it for the large events, or events that involve several agencies.”

The Windsor police mobile command centre is shown in this 2008 file photo. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)

The Windsor police mobile command centre is shown in this 2008 file photo. (Nick Brancaccio / The Windsor Star)

dchen@windsorstar.com

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Angry Windsor motorists beware: Some of those cycling commuters are cops

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You wouldn’t normally flip the bird at a police officer, nor lean out your open window and shout obscenities at a Windsor cop in the street.

That would be downright stupid, right?

Unless it’s a cop commuting to work by bicycle.

“Sometimes you come across frustrated motorists,” said Sgt. Matthew D’Asti, describing the few occasions when drivers hurled insults while he and his bike were taking up part of the street. “Some are still of the mindset our roads are for cars.”

“On the odd, rare occasion, someone will honk their horn at you,” said Det. Andy Randall, who joins D’Asti, the department’s public information officer, in commuting to and from work by bike during the city’s long cycling season.

D’Asti sounds surprisingly understanding and patient when describing such encounters, which he probably would never experience if he dressed for his daily commute in his regular uniform with firearm at his side rather than in biking apparel.

“It’s a great way to start the day — I get here refreshed, ready for work,” said D’Asti. “And it’s an excellent way to wrap up a workday, it gives you a chance to unwind.”

Randall, a detective in the special victims unit, said he’s been commuting the 17 kilometres from his home to work the last couple of years for “general health — to try to stay in shape.” His estimated commuting time is under 40 minutes from outside the city, and the police pair is usually joined on the early-morning route by a respiratory therapist employed at Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital.

When he departs the downtown police headquarters in the afternoon, Randall said there can be up to eight bikes parked in the garage by fellow commuting officers.

“A lot more people seem to be commuting by bicycle … it’s lifestyle, I guess,” said D’Asti. He likes the fact it’s not only a good workout, but “it’s great for the environment too … and there’s gas money saved.”

To get more locals interested in two-wheeled commuting, the Windsor Bicycling Committee is hosting its annual bike-to-work day May 31.

Setting out from the WFCU Centre at 6:45 a.m. and following a route that includes portions of the Ganatchio Trail, Riverside Drive and the riverfront trail, bikers are expected to arrive at the CBC at Riverside and Crawford Avenue by 8 a.m. Welcoming them will be a complimentary breakfast of bagels and coffee, juice and fresh fruit, with the first 50 getting a T-shirt.

The annual organized commutes help “highlight some of the city’s new trails and bike lanes,” said WBC chair Kari Gignac. This year’s event will showcase the first section of the Riverside Vista project, which will eventually see bike lanes added to the length of Riverside Drive.

At the May 31 breakfast gathering, a new Bobbin Shopper bike, courtesy of The City Cyclery, will be presented to Windsor’s first Bike Commuter of the Year.

Nominations are being accepted until May 26 at commutebybikewindsor@gmail.com.

In 200 words or less, describe why you or someone you know deserves the honour. It can be someone old or new who epitomizes the dedicated bicycle commuter, someone who goes the extra mile to integrate bicycles into their day-to-day lives and encourages others to do the same.

As a cycling commuter and a police officer, D’Asti said he understands the frustrations sometimes felt by cyclists and motorists as they vie for a share of the road.

But it probably behooves the cyclist, especially one travelling without a uniform or a gun, to pay particular attention to the flow of traffic.

“It always has to be a concern of the cyclist — you’re on the losing end if you’re in a collision,” said D’Asti.

dschmidt@windsorstar.com or on Twitter @schmidtcity

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Windsor police launch new website

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The Windsor Police Service’s new website went live Thursday afternoon, replacing “deficiencies” in the former website, Deputy Chief Vince Power said.

Staff Sgt. Brendan Dodd, who led the website revamp project, said his team hadn’t received complaints about the old website, but the old format “wasn’t that easy to navigate.”

The new site lets users report certain crimes, such as telephone fraud scams, and submit tips through Crime Stoppers. “We’re trying to open the door for the community to communicate with us,” Power said.

He said that although many crimes still need to be reported to the police in person, he hopes authorities will get more feedback from the public, which will help police pinpoint specific crime-related issues in different neighbourhoods.

Using social media sites, Dodd’s team polled the public to find out what types of features they wanted to see on the new site. He said many responses asked for public safety alerts, crime alerts, and information on wanted suspects.

As a result, the new website boasts a “Wanted in Windsor” section, complete with headshots, names, and reward amounts. Dodd said police will keep posting information about dangerous suspects, or those wanted in cold cases.

Making the website more user-friendly was done internally with city and police staff, which Dodd said kept costs to a minimum. He said they spent about $3,000 total to send one employee for software training.

Dodd said that another “major benefit” of the new website is that it’s up to par with the province’s accessibility standards for those with disabilities. He said users now also have the option to view the site in multiple languages, although he didn’t state how many.

Dodd said the next step will be to integrate social media accounts into the new site so that updates go out to the public simultaneously. He said that the site will be mobile-friendly within the next month, too.

Power said that overall, the new site will make giving information to the police easier for the public. “We need the community to work with us in order for us to be effective,” he said.

Wanted in Windsor 

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Unusual collection of items sold at police auction

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What do a toothbrush, a flute, a weed-wacker, 632 chocolate bars and about 100 bicycles all have in common?

They were just some of the items up for grabs at an auction held Saturday by the Windsor Police Service.

“I’m going to go for the chocolate bars,” said Alex Liu, 24, before the auction began. “I think my colleagues at the office would be happy about that. I would have a dessert supply for us for weeks.”

Liu attended with a couple of friends and they were all hoping to get some good deals on bikes.

“The police can’t do anything with any of this so it’s good for them to give back to society,” said Liu.

Held at the Teutonia Club, the auction typically attracts 600 to 800 people and is usually held twice a year, said Lois Reaume, Windsor police property room manager.

Proceeds of the auction go to the Windsor Police Services Board.

“They distribute it accordingly for investigation costs or to Crime Stoppers,” said Reaume.

The event usually sells off  200 to 250 lost or stolen items.

“These are confiscated items that we can’t find the owners to,” said Reaume.

But Reaume said a few owners usually turn up to claim their goods at each auction, including John O’Rourke, who attended Saturday to bid on a bike to replace his wife’s stolen bike and ended up recognizing it in the bunch up for auction.

“It’s an oddball looking bike,” said O’Rourke. The bright orange, blue and white colouring, along with a distinctive crane-type detail on the front, made it easy to recognize.

He said the bike had some sentimental value for his wife because she has owned it for more than 25 years.

“She had it even before we met,” said O’Rourke. “We had one of those one-wheel bikes attached to the back for our daughter. We only had a chance to try it out once and then it was stolen.”

Reaume said the bike was removed from the auction and, after a verification process, will likely be returned to O’Rourke.

People tend to “go crazy” over the jewelry, said Reaume, adding it is usually the top seller, along with the bikes.

Other items auctioned off this year included a golf cart, a couple of power washers, a motorized wheelchair and a wide variety of tools and electronics.

Ian Blammeaux said he attends police auctions to buy old coins to add to his collection.  He enjoys seeing the interesting items that are up for bids.

“It’s amazing what some people would steal, like laundry detergent,” said Blammeaux with a laugh. “And, of course, there’s the tools that they may have used to break into the houses with, like crowbars and sledgehammers.”

Pam Baksi attended with her son Nik, 28, to bid on a bike. She said she feels a little weird bidding on items that were stolen and in the hands of criminals.

“Like wouldn’t you feel terrible if you were walking down the street and you were wearing a piece of jewelry and someone came up and said they had something like that that was stolen,” said Baksi.

But she said although it seems a little strange, the police auction is good for the community.

“It’s a good thing because you have to find a way of turning something that’s gone south into something positive and good for the community,” said Baksi. “If you can turn something that’s negative and make it positive, we all benefit then.”

A large bin of chocolate bars is up for auction at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013.  (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

A large bin of chocolate bars is up for auction at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

A man makes a bid on an item at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013.  (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

A man makes a bid on an item at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Windsor police cadet Tyler Millman shows an interested buyer a MacBook computer at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013.  (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

Windsor police cadet Tyler Millman shows an interested buyer a MacBook computer at the Windsor Police Service auction at the Teutonia Club, Saturday, June 15, 2013. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)

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Police to crack down on red light runners to curb intersection accidents

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Windsor Police are cracking down on red light runners this summer with a new traffic enforcement initiative meant to curb intersection accidents.

For the month of July, police will keep a close eye on those intersections that have a high rate of accidents, including Lauzon Parkway and Tecumseh Road East and Banwell Road at E.C. Row Expressway.

“(Drivers) should be patient and drive according to the traffic laws and regulations,” said Sgt. Matt D’Asti.

Data from the past five years shows 57 per cent of accidents in Windsor happen at intersections and collisions are up nine per cent compared to the same time last year. The traffic enforcement branch has identified 10 collision-prone intersections to focus on, though officers won’t necessarily focus on just these, D’Asti said.

Police will also keep an eye on drivers speeding through amber lights or running stop signs. In fact, the fine for running an amber light is the same as for running a red one, and fines increase in community safety zones, D’Asti said. Drivers should slow down and stop on amber lights, he said.

Also, drivers often forget that a stop sign requires a complete stop, he said. Rolling stops don’t count.

Where are Windsor’s most accident-prone intersections?

Windsor police looked at collision data for the period 2008-2012 and identified 25 accident-prone intersections. Here are the Top 10 intersections by number of accidents over the five-year period.

  1. Lauzon Parkway and Tecumseh Road East
  2. Banwell Road and E.C. Row Expressway
  3. Howard Avenue and Tecumseh Road East
  4. Goyeau Street and Wyandotte Street East
  5. Central Avenue and E.C. Row Expressway eastbound on-ramp
  6. County Road 42 and Lauzon Road
  7. Crawford Avenue and Wyandotte Street West
  8. Pelissier Street and Wyandotte Street West
  9. Erie Street East and Ouellette Avenue
  10. Provincial Road and 6th Concession Road
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Alleged victim of police assault says he was co-operating (with video)

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The man who was allegedly assaulted by a Windsor police officer on camera says his only resistance was to repeatedly ask why — and to ask if his race was a factor.

“I asked (the officer) why he was picking on me,” said 22-year-old Gladson Chinyangwa, who’s black, in court on Wednesday.

“I also recall asking him if it had anything to do with my colour.”

Chinyangwa’s testimony filled the second day of the trial of Const. Kent Rice.

Const. Kent Rice of Windsor police attends court on Aug. 6, 2013. (Tyler Brownbridge / The Windsor Star)

Const. Kent Rice of Windsor police attends court on Aug. 6, 2013. (Tyler Brownbridge / The Windsor Star)

Rice — a 41-year-old Windsor police officer — is facing one count of assault for a Feb. 22, 2012 incident that was recorded by a surveillance camera in the stairwell of a low-income housing building.

The video shows the officer delivering a hand strike to Chinyangwa’s head and booting him twice — with one of the kicks landing in the downed man’s ribs.

“It hurt. It was pretty hard … I remember I took some time to catch my breath,” Chinyangwa told the court on Wednesday. “He was telling me to shut up and telling me to get up.”

According to Chinyangwa, what’s missing from the video is Rice’s first blow.

An image from a surveillance camera video that allegedly shows Const. Kent Rice of Windsor police assaulting Gladson Chinyangwa on Feb. 22, 2012. (The Windsor Star)

An image from the video that allegedly shows Const. Kent Rice assaulting Gladson Chinyangwa. (The Windsor Star)

Chinyangwa said he was entering the stairwell, as ordered by Rice, when he felt “a shove, like a hit from the back” that sent him sprawling — and that’s why the video begins with him on the floor.

“I didn’t want to fight,” said Chinyangwa — who estimates his height at 5’6″ and his weight at 165 pounds.

Chinyangwa said the officer repeatedly demanded to know the real name of one of Chinyangwa’s friends, who was also being interviewed by police at the time.

“I told him I didn’t know his name,” Chinyangwa said.

But defence lawyer Andrew Bradie painted a different picture of the night in question.

In cross-examination, Bradie suggested Chinyangwa went along with his friend giving officers a false name.

Windsor defence lawyer Andrew Bradie in a 2008 file photo. (Jason Kryk / The Windsor Star)

Windsor defence lawyer Andrew Bradie in a 2008 file photo. (Jason Kryk / The Windsor Star)

“You backed up his lie,” Bradie told Chinyangwa in court. “You knew he was lying to police.”

Bradie further suggested Chinyangwa urged his friends not to tell police any of their real names or provide any information.

“You were a hothead in there and you were interfering with police officers doing their duty,” Bradie said.

Bradie noted that Chinyangwa was “primarily responsible” for police attending the building in the first place — and suggested that Chinyangwa had tried to hurt one of his friends by throwing a beer bottle in a drunken rage.

Bradie pointed out inconsistencies in Chinyangwa’s testimony, as well as conflicts with earlier statements he and other witnesses gave police.

Bradie also detailed Chinyangwa’s extensive criminal history — a long list of convictions including drunk driving, theft, assault, robbery, and many violations of his release conditions.

The most recent charges — which are still to be resolved in court — allege that Chinyangwa broke into two addresses while armed with a butcher knife.

The court heard that alcohol was a factor in much of Chinyangwa’s prior bad behaviour. Two of the thefts were from liquor stores.

“You’re a different person when you’re drinking,” Bradie told Chinyangwa. “You obviously have a problem with alcohol.”

“Yes, I do,” Chinyangwa admitted.

Chinyangwa further admitted that there are details about his past crimes he doesn’t recall because he was “blackout” drunk at the time.

“Are there parts of Feb. 22 that you don’t remember because of a blackout?” Bradie asked.

“No,” Chinyangwa replied.

dchen@windsorstar.com

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Mom pleads for return of disabled son’s special bike (with video)

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A mother who had planned to take her 10-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy, out for a ride said she was shocked to discover someone had stolen his special bike Monday night.

Jacqueline Baston said she went around to the side of the house to get her son Aidan’s three-wheeled bike before taking him to the track at nearby Brennan high school, then realized it was gone. Whoever took it must have known what to look for and singled it out, she said, because the thieves left a mountain bike and scooters behind.

“I’ve never seen disappointment like that in my life. It breaks my heart that I couldn’t do anything to fix it,” said Baston. “I wouldn’t have cared if they took everybody else’s. Why his?”

The three-wheeled low-rider of a trike popularized by the rapper Snoop Dogg. (Google image)

The three-wheeled low-rider of a trike popularized by the rapper Snoop Dogg. (Google image)

Aidan’s bike was a very special ride — a three-wheeled low-rider of a style popularized by the rapper Snoop Dogg. It was perfect for Aidan because it had a place for him to rest his feet when his legs got tired and allowed him to ride it despite the fact he has limited mobility on his right side, Baston said.

It was also special because Aidan’s late grandfather gave him the bike five years ago before he died. The bike came from a shop in the U.S. and Baston said she doesn’t think the family can afford another one.

“We’re paycheque-to-paycheque people. We can’t afford to go buy him a three-wheeler bike. They’re God knows how expensive,” she said.

Baston said the last time Aidan rode his bike was about a week and a half ago, so it could have been stolen any time between then and Monday night. She said this is the first time her family has had any problems with crime since buying their home near Wyandotte Street East and Pillette Road six years ago.

Baston said the bike was in her fenced backyard. Whoever took it had to go all the way around the patio and over to the side of the house, then move several other items to get it, she said.

Jacqueline Baston, centre, hopes to recover or replace the tricycle missing from her backyard, August 20, 2013.  The Snoop Dogg Trike was used by her son, Aidan Baston-Firr, 10, right.  Adian's brother Keegan Baston-Firr, left, with his family at home on Raymo Avenue in Windsor, Ont.  (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)

Jacqueline Baston, centre, hopes to recover or replace the tricycle missing from her backyard, August 20, 2013. The Snoop Dogg Trike was used by her son, Aidan Baston-Firr, 10, right. Adian’s brother Keegan Baston-Firr, left, with his family at home on Raymo Avenue in Windsor, Ont. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)

Baston said she’s been scouring parks, pawn shops and cycling stores for the bicycle since she discovered it was missing. She said it’s hard to miss and has a distinctive tear in the seat.

Windsor police Sgt. Matt D’Asti confirmed that Baston reported the bike stolen Monday evening. He said there are currently no suspects.

Baston asked anyone who’s seen it to contact her at 519-903-0413. She said the worst part of the theft is explaining to her son why someone would do something like this

“He’s had so much taken from him already. I just want people to know to be good to each other. Don’t do this.”

Jacqueline Baston, centre, hopes to recover or replace the tricycle missing from her backyard, August 20, 2013.  The Snoop Dogg Trike was used by her son, Aidan Baston-Firr, 10, right.  Adian's brother Keegan Baston-Firr, 3, left, holds his mother's hand at their home on Raymo Avenue in Windsor, Ont.  (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)

Jacqueline Baston, centre, hopes to recover or replace the tricycle missing from her backyard, August 20, 2013. The Snoop Dogg Trike was used by her son, Aidan Baston-Firr, 10, right. Adian’s brother Keegan Baston-Firr, 3, left, holds his mother’s hand at their home on Raymo Avenue in Windsor, Ont. (NICK BRANCACCIO/The Windsor Star)

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Police seek suspects in beating, robbery

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Police are looking for two suspects after a university student reported being robbed at gunpoint, struck in the head and tied up with an extension cord in his home Monday night.

Police responded to a call at 10:50 p.m. in the 1000 block of California Avenue. A man bleeding from cuts to his head approached the officers as they arrived, police said.

Police said the man told officers he came home to his residence after an evening of studying. The man told police he then saw two men through the window in the residence’s laundry room.

According to the man’s account to police, he confronted the suspects as they were leaving out the back door, at which point one suspect drew a silver handgun and the other brandished a knife. The suspects ordered the man into his residence and brought him from room to room demanding valuables, the man told police.

The man reported that the suspects took his cellphone and wallet from his pocket and a small amount of cash from his bedroom. The suspects struck the man in the head repeatedly before tying him up with an extension cord and fleeing, the man told police.

According to the man’s report to police, he eventually untied himself and sought help at a neighbour’s house. Paramedics transported him to hospital, where he received staples and stitches for his head injuries.

Police are asking for the public’s help locating the suspects. They described both suspects as white men who are about 25 years old.

The first suspect is about six foot and has a stocky build, bushy eyebrows, a round face and dark hair, police said. He was described as wearing a dark baseball cap and possessing a silver handgun at the time of the incident.

The second suspect stands about six foot two and has a skinny build and medium-length hair, police said. He was described as wearing a light grey hoodie and possessing a small knife at the time of the incident.

Police asked anyone with information to call them at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-TIPS (8477).
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Budget squeeze forces Windsor police to reduce ranks

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Police salaries are growing at twice the rate of those for Ontario public sector employees, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Municipalities spent more than $3.7 billion on police services in 2011, according to an AMO report. Those costs grew nearly six per cent from the previous year – a pace nearly three times the rate of inflation. Since 2001, total policing costs in the province have grown by $1.5 billion.

In Windsor, despite being hit by double-digit salary hikes awarded through arbitration, the police service has been able to hold the line on spending.

But it’s achieving that by thinning the ranks.

“In order to hold the budget at zero, you have to reduce staffing levels — there’s no other way,” said Windsor police Chief Al Frederick.

Since the end of 2011, the police department has seen its workforce shrink by more than 20 positions, from 612 at the end of 2011 (466 sworn officers and 146 civilian staff) to about 590 today (450 officers and 140 civilians).

At $67 million, policing is one of the single-biggest items in the city’s annual budget. The police board, chaired by Mayor Eddie Francis, instructed the department to maintain its 2011 level of spending through 2012 and 2013 — even with a $1.8-million hit that came in January when an arbitrator awarded a 12 per cent wage hike over four years.

“I haven’t put my mind to the 2014 budget yet … I’m not looking forward to it,” said Frederick. He added he’s heard “informally” that another zero-budget will be expected.

Windsor Police Association president Jason DeJong is shown in this Sept. 2012 file photo. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Windsor Police Association president Jason DeJong, Sept. 2012. (Dan Janisse/The Windsor Star)

“I don’t think the service can sustain more cuts,” said Windsor Police Association president Jason DeJong. “At some point, he (Frederick) may have to go to the board and say we need a budget increase.”

Frederick said the staff cuts have been achieved without layoffs, through attrition and without reducing front-line services. The association, representing the rank-and-file, has worked with the brass so far to implement cost-saving changes such as improving shift scheduling within the investigative branch.

While the police union argues that continued spending freezes are not sustainable, politicians meeting at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa this week told Premier Kathleen Wynne that the province’s arbitration system is broken and will end up bankrupting municipalities.

“The growth is not sustainable,” said AMO president Russ Powers, a Hamilton city councillor. Politicians lined up to complain that arbitrators consistently award the highest going rates in the province, without consideration to a municipality’s ability to pay.

The contract for the Ontario Provincial Police comes due next year, and the province has already agreed that it will be the highest-paid Ontario force.

“We can’t afford the wage increases that the OPP is about to get,” Powers told the nearly 1,600 delegates, including several Windsor city councillors. “We can’t afford the precedent that it sets for our local police forces, we can’t afford fire halls that house six-figure salaries, we can’t afford — or understand — Ontario’s interest arbitration system.”

Wynne told the gathering that Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi would be sitting down soon to work out a deal satisfactory to all sides. But critics noted that the plan by the minority Liberals is at odds with ideas floated at the same conference by Progressive Conservative Party Leader Tim Hudak and New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath.

“It’s in limbo … they said they tried but the opposition wouldn’t agree to it,” Ward 9 Coun. Hilary Payne said of the Liberals’ explanation on why the government’s proposed legislative changes have so far failed.

“They’re cowards … it’s very easy to do, they just don’t want to do it,” Francis said. “The three party leaders should appoint three mayors and let them fix it.”

“It’s terrible, it’s beyond reason,” Payne said of the status quo.

A first-class Windsor constable who made nearly $81,000 in 2010 will be earning $90,300 by the start of 2014. The same officer in London earns between $87,000 and $94,600, while the Hamilton rate is $85,619 and Toronto’s is $86,400. A first-class OPP constable with three years seniority makes almost $83,500, which AMO claims will be going up a minimum of 8.55 per cent in 2014.

When Windsor’s arbitrator announced his decision in January, Francis said “he admitted that he was bound to this policy of replicating other decisions.”

Francis said Windsor is not crying poor and that he holds the city’s police and firefighters “in high regard.” But what’s being awarded Ontario’s public emergency service workers, especially compared with the concessions agreed to by other municipal employee sectors, is taking away spending from other priorities.

Under the current legislation, police associations can appeal any decisions by the employer they feel negatively affects service levels. Frederick said it was the arbitrator’s ruling that permitted the most recent internal reorganization and rescheduling within the detective branch.

While reluctant to discuss “operational stuff,” Frederick said that, where it’s possible, civilians are being employed to perform more duties, like crime analysis.

The big police money crunch was also one of the main topics of discussion at this week’s annual Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police gathering in Winnipeg.

Frederick, who attended with deputy chief Rick Derus, said part of the discussion among his peers was on the desirability of having more policing duties carried out by civilians. The City of Winnipeg, for example, has “much more leeway in how it deploys civilians.”

For example, civilian cadets, who earn about a third of what uniformed officers make, can be employed for crime scene protection — keeping citizens out of taped-off areas. Ontario’s Police Act currently requires sworn officers to do that job.

dschmidt@windsorstar.com or on Twitter: @schmidtcity

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Suspect sought after woman reports sexual assault in her apartment

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Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a man suspected of breaking into a downtown apartment and sexually assaulting a woman who was sleeping in her bed on Aug. 12.

Police said the woman told them she woke up at about 1:45 a.m. after the suspect entered her residence. The man then sexually assaulted her, the woman told police.

The woman knows the suspect, police said. Police believe he entered the apartment using a key and fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Eric James Brooks, 48. Brooks faces charges of aggravated sexual assault and being in a dwelling illegally.

Police described Brooks as black, five foot eight and 178 pounds.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this investigation to call investigators at 519-255-6700, ex 4311, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (519)-258-TIPS (8477).
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Windsor cop’s stairwell incident was about assault — not arrest, says prosecutor

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The surveillance video that shows a Windsor police officer punching and kicking a man lying on the floor speaks for itself, says the prosecutor in the case.

Const. Kent Rice kicking Gladson Chinyangwa on Feb. 22, 2012.

Const. Kent Rice kicking Gladson Chinyangwa on Feb. 22, 2012.

“This force was not applied for the purposes of arrest. This force was applied as an assault,” assistant Crown attorney David Foulds said in court Thursday.

“There was no lawful reason for this application of force.”

Foulds made the comments in his closing arguments in the trial of Windsor police officer Const. Kent Rice.

Rice, 41, is facing one count of assault for an incident that happened Feb. 22, 2012, in the stairwell of a low-income apartment building at 1101 McDougall St.

A security camera captured Rice throwing and connecting with one hand strike and two kicks on Gladson Chinyangwa, then 20, as he lay on the stairwell floor.

Rice and his lawyer Andrew Bradie contend that the blows were delivered in the normal course of arresting Chinyangwa, who was supposedly breaching the peace and not co-operating.

But Foulds asked the judge to simply review the video. “Is that the body language of a combative, potentially assaultive person? Lying in a heap … on the floor?”

Const. Kent Rice in a 2007 file photo. (The Windsor Star)

Const. Kent Rice in a 2007 file photo. (The Windsor Star)

Foulds pointed out Rice did not mention the second kick in his original notes on the incident — an “intentional omission,” Foulds said. “Not forgetfulness.”

“What I’m going to suggest to you is that you could never have justified a second kick,” Foulds told Rice in court.

Foulds asked the judge to notice how Rice’s behaviour in the video changes the moment he apparently becomes aware of the security camera. Foulds pointed to how Rice adjusts his headwear and turns his back to the camera.

“It’s like a light bulb went off. ‘Oops! Maybe I shouldn’t be hammering this guy, tuning him up,’” Foulds said.

Foulds said that if Rice’s true intention was to arrest Chinyangwa, he would have done it immediately upon entering the stairwell, as Chinyangwa lay on the floor — the “ideal position” to cuff an arrest subject.

Instead, Rice stood over Chinyangwa and struck him. “The video speaks for itself, Mr. Rice,” Foulds said.

Earlier in the trial, officers testified that Chinyangwa was being loudly belligerent and verbally abusive enough to impede their investigation, and that’s why Rice took Chinyangwa out of an apartment, into a corridor, and then into the stairwell.

Gladson Chinyangwa in an undated Facebook image.

Gladson Chinyangwa in a Facebook image.

But Foulds said the timeline of communications between the officers and dispatchers shows that only a few minutes elapsed from their entry of the apartment to Chinyangwa’s removal — not enough time for Chinyangwa to cause the trouble attributed to him.

Foulds pointed out that in the audio playback of those communications, no yelling or shouting can be heard in the background.

According to Foulds, all four of the officers who testified in the trial embellished the truth — and Chinyangwa was “not nearly as unco-operative” as they have suggested.

Foulds alleged that the real reason Rice took Chinyangwa into the stairwell was to extract information. Specifically, he wanted to learn the identity of one of the other people in the apartment.

“You punched him, and you kicked him twice, and you said ‘Give me the name, give me the name,’” Foulds told Rice.

“You got into Chinyangwa’s face to get the name.”

Const. Kent Rice on Aug. 6, 2013. (The Windsor Star)

Const. Kent Rice on Aug. 6, 2013. (The Windsor Star)

But Bradie argued that Rice acted “with lawful authority.”

Bradie said Chinyangwa, by his own admission, was “in a mood that night.”

“He was continually told to comply,” Bradie said.

Rice himself took the stand on Thursday morning to describe what happened.

According to Rice, the video doesn’t capture what Chinyangwa was saying to him: Expletives and slurs, a challenge to fight, a warning that “It’s on,” and the line: “Good luck cuffing me, pig.”

Rice said the reason he pushed Chinyangwa through the door, resulting in Chinyangwa falling to the floor, was that Chinyangwa had become “enraged” and “emotionally-charged.”

Rice said he felt Chinyangwa’s body tense. “I knew he was going to try to hit me.”

Rice said that when he entered the stairwell, he bent over Chinyangwa and spoke in a “hushed” tone as part of a calming technique, meant to encourage “active listening.” He said the only thing he told Chinyangwa was to stand up and be arrested.

A frame from the Feb. 22, 2012 security video.

A frame from the Feb. 22, 2012 security video.

Rice said the “open palm deflection” on Chinyangwa’s chin was necessary because he heard Chinyangwa make a “horking” sound. “I’m familiar with the sound,” Rice said. “I’ve been spit on before.”

Rice said the two “leg strikes” weren’t meant to injure or incapacitate. He said he believed Chinyangwa’s intention at that point was to flee the building. “They were measured kicks,” Rice testified. “I wasn’t trying to hurt him. I was just trying to gain compliance.”

As for why Rice didn’t immediately arrest Chinyangwa on the floor, Rice said it’s been his experience that trying to cuff grounded subjects often leads to them resisting harder and escalating the situation.

“I like to see them on their feet. I like for them to be co-operative,” Rice told the court.

But Foulds did not believe Rice’s testimony.

Regarding the “pig” line Rice attributed to Chinyangwa, Foulds said, bluntly: “You just made that up.”

Justice Donald Downie said he will deliberate overnight and present his judgement 2 p.m. Friday.

dchen@windsorstar.com

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Windsor cop found guilty of assault (with videos)

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The Windsor police officer who was caught on camera punching and kicking a man lying on an apartment stairwell floor has been found guilty.

A frame from the surveillance video recording of Feb. 22, 2012.

A frame from the surveillance video recording of Feb. 22, 2012.

A judge ruled on Friday that 41-year-old Const. Kent Rice committed one count of assault in an incident that happened during the early morning hours of Feb. 22, 2012, in a low-income housing building at 1101 McDougall St.

A surveillance video camera recorded Rice delivering one hand strike and two kicks to Gladson Chinyangwa, then 20, as Chinyangwa writhed on the stairwell floor.

“In my view, Const. Rice used excessive force when he kicked (Chinyangwa) twice,” said Justice Donald Downie in his verdict.

Downie said he accepted Rice’s explanation that the hand strike to Chinyangwa’s chin may have been necessary “to ward off a potential spit attack.”

Downie said he could also accept that the push — not on video — which resulted in Chinyangwa falling to the floor may have been a “reflexive move,” and that Rice may have felt Chinyangwa tense up as if readying to hit Rice.

But the judge said the two kicks seen in the video could not be rationalized. He said Chinyangwa was “obviously non-aggressive” at that point.

“It wasn’t needed,” Downie said.

Downie found it telling that Rice did not mention the second kick in his original notes on the incident.

There were five trial days, including testimony from Rice, three fellow officers, and Chinyangwa.

Downie acknowledged that Chinyangwa had a “somewhat confused” recollection, and that the court heard “varying stories” about what happened on the night in question.

But Downie said the surveillance video “tells its own story” and acted as the “tie-breaker” in the case.

Const. Kent Rice and his wife leave the Ontario Court of Justice building in Windsor after the verdict on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Const. Kent Rice and his wife leave the Ontario Court of Justice building in Windsor after the verdict on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Rice showed no emotion in response to Downie’s verdict, but members of his family could be heard murmuring in the courtroom.

The 14-year veteran officer later left the courthouse with his wife and declined to comment.

His sentence hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.

While arranging the next court date, the judge pointed out that Rice has been suspended with pay since June 6, 2012. “The taxpayers need a break,” Downie told the court.

“This has got to get finished.”

Defence attorney Andrew Bradie, counsel to Const. Kent Rice, speaks to media outside court on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Defence attorney Andrew Bradie, counsel to Const. Kent Rice, speaks to media outside court on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Outside the court building, Rice’s lawyer Andrew Bradie said the verdict was disappointing — but not shocking.

“I concede that, from the outset, the video was troublesome,” Bradie said. “The question is: To what extent was that video one small piece of a larger puzzle?”

Asked if he will appeal the verdict, Bradie said it’s too early to comment: He intends to reflect on the judge’s reasoning.

But Bradie ventured that he will be asking for a conditional discharge  — a sentence which acknowledges guilt, but does not result in a criminal conviction.

Bradie said his client’s career record shows Rice has been “a good officer.”

He pointed out that the two kicks “did not cause any injury” and “were not debilitating in any fashion.”

Asked if he regrets putting Rice on the stand for the last day of testimony, Bradie said no. “The video required an explanation. I think giving no explanation whatsoever would have left us in a more difficult position.”

Crown prosecutor David Foulds speaks to media on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Crown prosecutor David Foulds speaks to media on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Meanwhile, assistant Crown attorney David Foulds expressed satisfaction that the judge agreed with him the video “speaks for itself.”

“The two kicks were excessive. I think that’s exactly right,” Foulds told reporters.

Regarding the significance of the video evidence, Foulds said the prosecution would not have succeeded without it.

“It would have been difficult for me to ask for a conviction (without the video),” he said. “The video was critically important.”

Foulds said he is awaiting materials from Bradie, but he doubts the Crown and the defence will be able to agree on a joint sentencing submission.

He balked at mention of a possible conditional discharge. “At the least, I would be asking for a conviction.”

Asked what the finding of guilt could mean to Rice’s career, Foulds said such matters will be dealt with by the Windsor Police Service through disciplinary hearings under the Police Act.

According to Jason DeJong, president of the Windsor Police Association, there are officers who have remained with the force after being on the receiving end of guilty verdicts.

Chief Al Frederick addresses media at Windsor police HQ on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Chief Al Frederick addresses media at Windsor police HQ on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

At Windsor police headquarters, Chief Al Frederick said he was “deeply disappointed” by Rice’s actions.

But Frederick praised WPS members for their “immediate and decisive” response to the case.

“Const. Rice’s actions were investigated by the WPS major crimes branch, who arrested and charged him within hours of the allegations coming to light,” the chief said.

Rice now faces three charges under the Police Services Act: two counts of discreditable conduct, and one count of excessive use of force.

Hearings on those charges were postponed until the resolution of the criminal case.

The next Police Act hearing was tentatively set for Sept. 18, but Frederick said that will have to be rescheduled until after the sentencing.

Frederick wouldn’t talk about the potential penalties for Rice under the Police Act.

“I would respect the outcome of the tribunal before making a comment,” the chief said. “We have to respect the process.”

Const. Kent Rice (R) and his wife arrive at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Const. Kent Rice (R) and his wife arrive at the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor on Aug. 30, 2013. (Dan Janisse / The Windsor Star)

Although the incident happened in Feb. 2012, Rice wasn’t charged criminally until months afterward — in June 2012, when the surveillance video was first seen by the public.

The trial revealed that the video was brought to the attention of Windsor Residence Inc., the non-profit housing organization that owns and operates 1101 McDougall St.

A member of the organization’s board of directors leaked the video to the media.

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dchen@windsorstar.com

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Thank you to Windsor Police Service for taking appropriate action

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Re: Police condemn online attacks against sexual assault victims, by Trevor Wilhelm, Aug. 30.

Kudos goes out to Windsor Police Service and The Windsor Star for taking appropriate action against the “loud minority” of patriarchal victim bladers.

Blaming the victim takes the significance off of the person who actually committed the crime. Instead of focusing on the actual criminal, these “loud minority” are villainizing the victim — young women who aren’t even safe walking alone.

To this “loud minority,” give your heads a shake and focus on the real criminal, the man committing the sexual crimes against these young women. It is not our fault we aren’t safe to walk alone.

Thank you to Windsor Police Service and The Windsor Star for speaking out against victim blaming.

JUSTINE SILVAGGIO, Amherstburg


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