The recent success of anti-gang Project Flicker was welcome progress in the city’s fight against crime. Flicker, in which 300 officers raided homes in and around the GTA earlier this week, resulted in 47 arrests following investigation of the Ardwick Blood Crew’s gang activity. Consequently, 1,350 charges were laid, ranging from participation in a criminal organization to attempted murder and armed robbery. But this is only the beginning. According to The Star of September 17th, police argue there are more than 70 gangs in operation city-wide.
These figures are brought forth with both triumph and caution. Although Flicker proved progress is possible, it also demonstrated how overwhelming the gang situation is perceived to be in the GTA.
When driving through Malvern or Jane and Finch, it is striking that by and large these are pleasant and well-kept communities. On the outside, they do not seem any more prone to violence than does our fair campus. Yes, those neighbourhoods are made unsafe by the criminals who centre their activities there. Even so, they are by no means lost causes, as the recent police action proves.
We should not throw in the towel and try to simply contain the crime in the hardest-hit areas, but instead work aggressively to make those areas as safe to walk through as St. George and Harbord.
We need to remember that one aspect of the solution to gang violence is already built in to the Regent Parks and Rexdales of the city. The solution is the interaction of the youth, dedicated social workers, and program coordinators who work in tandem with the kids of these areas to better themselves and their communities.
Not all kids want to become gangsters. The onus is on the city as a whole to pressure politicians into providing funding for programs that will allow these kids to learn, volunteer, grow as responsible citizens, and explore the world around them in a safe setting. Many students already receive and give help through initiatives like U of T’s Regent Park tutoring program. In these cases, all parties involved reap the benefits.
Sadly, some teens do indeed want to be gangsters, and the police must play their crucial role in dealing with them, as they did earlier this week. But instead of seeing the bust of the Ardwick Blood Crew as chopping another head off the criminal hydra (to only too soon sprout again with a new name), let’s look at it as a moment of hope for areas that need some, and as a reminder of the kind of vigilance and dedication we need in all of our communities.
Even the most well-to-do, safe areas have their problems. It is up to caring citizens of all ages and backgrounds to call tip lines, make use of public spaces, work at community centres, and firmly inform those few thugs who would like to move in that the spirit of the neighbourhood is not up for sale.
