NCJ Number
123856
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 1-27
Date Published
1990
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the existing and proposed security systems for housing administered by the Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority (MTHA) in Canada.
Abstract
This research drew from three studies: one conducted by the author for the Canadian Police College in cooperation with the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force and MTHA that included interviews with police, MTHA staff, residents, and security personnel and two studies on the development of a new security system at MTHA conducted by the author and other consultants. For some 20 years, MTHA has supplemented the services of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force with security personnel provided through contract with two security firms and coordinated by two staff members. MTHA's review of security requirements concludes that this arrangement allows neither flexibility nor sufficient operational planning and control over the deployment of security resources. The proposed new security system was developed by a consulting group and a committee of MTHA staff and residents. The new strategy involves corporate direction in the form of a mission statement, increased accountability, and performance evaluation. A wide scope of traditional and innovative security strategies will include community development, improved access control, and more productive deployment of security staff. There will be more involvement in security planning and operations by line staff and residents, along with improved planning and budgeting, communications, and dispatch systems. 19 references.