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Regent Park TV recently welcomed Neighbourhood Community Officers from Toronto Police’s 51 Division—Constables Farzad Ghotbi, Mircea Biga, and Illankumaran Shanmuganathan—for an in-depth discussion on safety, crime trends, and community engagement in Regent Park and St. James Town.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

During the interview, the officers provided updates on crime trends, noting an increase in gun violence compared to 2023, a year that saw no shootings in Regent Park. They emphasized that while overall crime rates fluctuate, continued community collaboration remains crucial. The officers also highlighted their role in trust-building through consistent engagement, working alongside residents to address safety concerns.

Another key issue discussed was the rise in hate crimes in our local community, particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia. Officers underscored their commitment to fostering inclusivity by supporting diverse communities and ensuring public safety through education and outreach.

As the province moves forward with plans to close supervised consumption sites, concerns about harm reduction were also addressed. Officers acknowledged these challenges, stressing the importance of partnerships with social services to mitigate risks and support vulnerable populations.

Constable Ghotbi, who is transitioning to a new role, reflected on his time serving Regent Park, expressing gratitude for the community’s resilience.

Regent Park remains a dynamic neighbourhood facing evolving challenges, and these conversations play a vital role in keeping residents informed.