Caledon OPP tops in combating crime, inspector tells council
By Alan Liczyk Staff Reporter

Caledon OPP has a great record when it comes to combating crime, its detachment commander told Caledon council at their last meeting.

In his quarterly report, Inspector Andy Karski pointed out Caledon has an extremely low crime rate, but they're on the ball when something does happen with a 90 per cent clearance rate, the highest in Ontario.

"When crime does happen, we're solving it," Karski said. "We have probably the finest crime unit in Ontario."

Councillor Annette Groves asked him if there's been an increase in firearms or marijuana grow-ops.

Karski replied there's been no increase in firearms and added there's been a consistently moderate level for grow-ops. Outdoor growops are more seasonal, usually from September to October, while indoor growops are more complex and sophisticated.

He recalled one case in which they arrested four people who were each to be paid $200,000 in salary.

The police's efforts denied them a total of $800,000 in salary.

"We're trying to attack it as we can," he said.

Karski requested the public's help in discovering grow-ops. People need to take responsibility for their own communities.

Mark Sraga, Caledon's director of building and bylaw enforcement, noted the Town does list houses that have had grow-ops on its Web site, www.caledon.ca under the building department's page.

"This is a really good thing," Groves said, adding it raises awareness for people who want to buy a home.

She also complimented the police for having a good handle on what goes on out in the community.

Councillor Doug Beffort observed from Karski's written report that foot patrol hours have really increased compared to last year.

Karski replied this should continue all year round, adding they've increased the hours 13 fold.

Beffort also noted the community isn't using the RoadWatch program which involves reporting unsafe drivers.

"People are going so fast you can't get their number," he said.

"Road Watch works," Karski said. "Other communities are embracing it. It's a unique system."

He added the police rarely send a second letter out to someone who's been reported through Road Watch.

Councillor Gord McClure wanted to know how many unmarked police cruisers Caledon OPP has.

Karski replied they have 34 cruisers of which six are unmarked. He explained the OPP commissioner wants visibility.

"We want you to notice the cars," Karski said.

He told Councillor Allan Thompson he would support the installation of red light cameras, pointing out Highway 10 and Olde Base Line Road would be one good spot for them.

"It's worthy of taking a look at," he said.

He pointed out in Peel Region, there are 25 to 30 sites where the red light cameras are rotated.

Councillor Jason Payne thanked the inspector for launching an in-school program.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison observed there's been a huge reduction in fatal collisions and credited Karski's hot spot program which targets 10 locations for aggressive driving.

Karski pointed out the hot spot program has been ranked one of the top 25 programs in all of North America.

Morrison noted OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino is now using the hot spot program.