Traffic safety remains a top concern for the chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).
Bryan Larkin laid emphasis on dangerous driving and modified vehicles during a presentation to police services board members recently.
"Year-to-date we've had six fatal collisions with seven deaths," he said. "There are families, friends and significant stories behind these seven victims."
The WRPS has taken significant steps to enhance its road safety measures, said Larkin.
"In June, 64 impaired driving charges were laid," he noted. "We continue to conduct RIDE programs every day across the region. We're grateful for the recent announcement about the Moving Ontarians More Safely (MOMS) Act, which actually allows police and provides them more legislative authority to deal with stunt driving and racing charges. Police officers across the province will have enhanced authority for roadside licence suspensions and vehicle impounding."
This legislation came into effect only on July 1, Larkin said, and since then WRPS officers has already laid six charges under the act.
"The other concerning piece across the GTA is modified vehicles," he said. "Since April and through May and June, our traffic safety team has been focused on this. It's fairly significant to look at the charges they've laid: 20 charges under the Environmental Protection Act dealing with emissions control, 55 improper muffler charges, 72 no muffler charges, 53 unnecessary noise charges, and 33 improper tire charges. And during that time, more that 3,600 speeding charges laid, including 76 stunt charges."
The WRPS, Larkin said, has worked with neighbouring police services to dismantle unsanctioned car rallies.
He then addressed the recent cancelation of the school resource officer program by the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB).
"We respect the decision of the school board," said Larkin, adding, "I'm disappointed and upset at the outcome. I'm not going to lament on their decision."
He said the WRPS focus is now to find other ways of engaging youth.
"I do believe it's naive to think we won't have any contact or intersection with the young people in the community," said Larkin. "Let's focus on how we make that the most positive experience."
Addressing two recent incidents that occurred in the region during which police officers discharged their weapons, he said, there are ongoing investigations, which prevent him from revealing any details at this point.
One of the incidents took place at Grovehill Crescent in Kitchener on July 6, when officers came upon a male and a female in the stolen vehicle, says a press release. The officers attempted to speak with the individuals when the driver attempted to flee and drove directly at one of the officers. As a result, the officer discharged his firearm. The vehicle, a dark-coloured RAM pickup truck, fled the scene. The vehicle has since been recovered in the West Grey region. The officer's actions are under scrutiny by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).
"At this time we don't have an updated description of the male or female," Larkin said providing an update. "There's slight delay because of the officer being involved in the SIU investigation. We did find the vehicle located in West Grey. We're working in partnership with them."
