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On Wednesday evening, June 17, the PDQ held its annual information session at the William Hingston Community Centre.
For the third consecutive year, Commandant Guy-Andre Lamothe addressed Parc-Extension residents about the PDQ33’s planned activities, work that is currently being done in the region, and to present his team of bike patrollers and cadets.
The meeting included unveiling the 2008 annual report, as well as the objectives for 2009 and to educate citizens about the gang phenomenon that has hit the streets of the Parc-Extension district.
Commandant Lamothe also acknowledged the 25-year partnership between the police and Sun Youth, both in Parc-Extension and around the island of Montreal.
Mission Statement for Montreal and district police services
It has been 11 years since local police offices have been situated in districts all over the island of Montreal, and it was noted, during that time, these district offices became the prototype for the police department as a whole, in adapting to their environments while keeping in mind the needs and desires of the local populace, elected officials, and personnel.
With the introduction of the police department’s action plan for 2009 last November, the mission, in partnership with institutions, socio-economic organizations, community groups and local citizens, is to promote the quality of life by reducing crime, improving road security, and developing a milieu for peaceful living with respect to rights and liberties guaranteed by the Canadian and Quebec charters.
“The Montreal Police Department is a model of professionalism and innovation and its workforce subsists on three fundamental principals: respect, integrity, and commitment,” said Commandant Lamothe.
To fulfill its mission, the PDQ, in terms of problem solving, bases its involvement on four guiding values:
-Prevention of crime and infractions
-Appropriate responses to counter criminal activity
-Continuous communication with local residents
-Research and analysis of the regions in order to employ the most effective police practices
The challenge is to ensure that the police become an integral part of the community while contributing to improve the quality of life of local residents.
“We will be present and visible within the community, in parks, public spaces, the metro, in order to make them safe and more secure. In conjunction with our partners, the Montreal Police Department plans to make the district safe and sound for its citizens,” said Lamothe.
2008 Annual Report
As Commandant Lamothe presented the 2008 annual report, resident were reassured as statistics showed that there was a statistical improvement in terms of criminal activity.
“Generally, the numbers show a statistical decrease in the northern part of the island, and in particular, Parc-Extension, with one of the lowest totals in Montreal,” said Lamothe.
The report also indicated an improvement in road security, with a significant decrease in road fatalities, as well as serious and light injuries. Also, pedestrian deaths decreased by 25% from 2007 to 2008. However, Lamothe noted that all collisions are still too high, and there remains a need to be vigilant and intensify awareness campaigns.
Also of note, Lamothe added that over the last 20 months an increased police presence in and around the metro, and on patrol, prove that the police department is working on ensuring a feeling of safety amongst local residents.
“Prevention in order to promote respect of the laws while focusing on an esteemed relationship with residents is a priority of the Montreal Police Department,” said Lamothe.
Objectives for 2009
Fixed objectives for 2009 comprise four main starting points:
Acknowledgement was given to the Module d’Action par Projet (MAP), an initiative that has been in place for over a year at the PDQ33. The MAP team aims to assist with any problem that may occur locally, whether it is criminal, road-related, community relations, etc.
Street Gangs
Commandant Lamothe believes that the street gang phenomenon is non-existent in Parc-Extension.
“There are three categories when talking about street gangs: gatherings, emerging gangs, and established gangs. In Parc-Extension, what you may see are inoffensive and punctual gatherings of young people in terms of residential safety and established gang concerns. But, we remain attentive to the possibility,” said Lamothe.
Lamothe added that he was convinced that Parc-Extension is a safe district to reside in, where crime levels and violence are generally low in comparison with the rest of the city.
The PDQ33 continues to develop efforts to assist, prevent, serve and educate local residents. Despite popular belief, Lamothe reminds residents that it is not the job of police to establish punitive measures for offenders, but to ensure preventative measures.
“We are here to assist the community, so don’t be afraid to approach us if you have a problem with, even if it involves the police department itself.”
Info-Crime
The PDQ encourages all citizens to call Info-Crime Montreal (514-393-1133) any time they need to contact police to report a crime or transmit information about an offense in Parc-Extension or any other district in Montreal.
The Montreal Police Department also has information video clips on its website seeking more information pertaining to unsolved crimes in hopes of obtaining information from the public in order to make an arrest.
If you’d like more information about Montreal Police Services, or if you have information on an unsolved crime, please visit www.spvm.qc.ca.