Mobile Crisis Intervention Units to HELP people with Mental Illness @ REGENT PARK

June 09 2013

Superintendent John Tanouye 51 Division

Dear John;

As you may be aware T.C.H.C has 10,000 residents suffering some form of Mental Illnesses. Residents provide this statistical data voluntary so we don't know yet the exact number of T.C.H.C with Mental Illnesses in overall. The best person to reach to get a real number is our " Health Specialist" Mr Kola Illuyomade.

- I in 5 Ontarians suffer some form of Mental Illness and that number is not coming down .... it's in the increase.

- I have both a mental and physical illnesses. My disabilities don't stop me from advocating for my community and my residents at 220 Oak Street.

- I am a regular attendee of the T.C.H.C and T.P.S Boards and have spoken about this issue before.

John, I am compelled to let you know, how sad , frustrated and disappointed fell today after learning on the news that another Resident of T.C.H.C has fallen to 4 four shots by members of the T.P.S in the east end. I don't want another senseless killing.. God forbids next time if happens at REGENT PARK. As you know I am the COPWATCH in this neighborhood to ensure people are treated with respect and dignity.. visit: http://torontocopwatch.wordpress.com/

BACKGROUND

Community organizations, advocates (included myself ) , Politicians and lawyers have spoken on the issue of effective ways of dealing with people with Mental Illnesses in Toronto. I have done my best to explain the same picture to the T.C.H.C Board and was surprise last month that a "Task Force lead by T.P.S" has been put together to tackle the safety and security concerns of T.C.H.C Residents.

However I am appalled to find out that there are no members of the Disability community and I am talking not just Physical Disabilities but the large population with Mental Illnesses. They are not taking under consideration my advice to incorporate a member who can CHAMPION for the people with invisible disabilities. I even volunteer last month at the T.C.H.C Board to serve in this committee but was ignored.. I am not after the money or fame I want to ensure that no other Toronto Taxpayer and Resident of T.C.H.C fall under the gun. Here are some interesting resources of information in regards this important item for those who don't understand the gravity of the matter:

In 2010 a T.C.H.C resident Mr Charlie McGillivary who suffered from Mental Illnesses was murdered by members of the T.P.S read more here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/friends-baffled-by-death-ofdisabled-man-in-police-action/article1355691/

On Feb 03 2011 another mental patient while in hospital care, died at the hands of police:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/siu-says-eligon-shooting-justifiedbut-raises-questions-about-training/article534777/

In October 08 2012 a Woman holding a knife was also shot and death by T.P.S officers here is the story in detail:

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/07/woman-shot-in-confrontation-with-cops

In April 26 2013 a men was also killed by T.P.S officers read story here:

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2013/04/26/shooting_at_busy_scarborough_i ntersection.html

and here is a complete list of people death by T.P.S officers ever since on record all of them were Toronto Taxpayers and who suffer Mental Illness:

http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/2010/09/19/why_did_mentally_ill_man_have _to_die.html

Fatal shootings of the mentally ill

Reyal Jardine-Douglas (Aug. 29, 2010) The 25-year-old Pickering man, who suffered from paranoia and other mental illnesses, was shot dead by police after allegedly fleeing a TTC bus armed with a knife. The mans parents said they called police to help their son get admitted to hospital. The Special Investigations Unit is investigating. Byron Debassige (Feb. 16, 2008) Debassige, a 28-year-old man with schizophrenia, was shot five times in the chest by police in Oriole Park after stealing lemons from a nearby convenience store armed with a three-inch knife. In clearing the officers, the SIU said Debassige advanced at the officers with the knife.

OBrien Christopher-Reid (June 13, 2004) Christopher-Reid, who suffered from profound delusions, was shot four times at close range by three officers in Edwards Gardens after allegedly threatening them with a knife. The SIU cleared the officers. Antonio Bellon (Jan. 10, 2004) Bellon, a 63-year-old man who neighbours said was mentally ill, was shot by an officer in an alleyway in the Dufferin Street and Rogers Road area, after Bellon shot and wounded another officer with a shotgun. The SIU cleared police. Otto Vass (Aug. 9, 2000) Vass, 55, suffered from bi-polar affective disorder and had not been taking his medications for more than a month prior to his death. He died in the parking lot of a convenience store at College Street and Lansdowne Avenue after a struggle with four officers, who had tried to arrest Vass for randomly punching one of the officers. The officers were charged with manslaughter, but acquitted in 2003. Edmond Yu (Feb. 20, 1997) Yu, 35, was shot and killed by police when he threatened them with a hammer on a TTC bus after allegedly assaulting a woman. Yu, who was once a medical student at the University of Toronto, struggled with schizophrenia and was often admitted to hospital involuntarily. The SIU cleared the officers. Wayne Williams (June 11, 1996) The 24-year-old Toronto man, who had been in and out of hospital for schizophrenia and had stopped seeing his doctor, was shot and killed by police in Scarborough after he allegedly advanced toward the officers with a knife. The SIU cleared the officers. Tommy Barnett (Jan. 10, 1996) Barnett, 22, was shot and killed when police found him wielding a sword in the Bathurst Street and St. Clair Ave. W. area. A coroners inquest found Barnett had no history of mental illness, but this was disputed by family. The officer who shot Barnett said he had no other choice and was cleared by the SIU. Albert Moses (Sept. 29, 1994) Moses, 41, was shot in the face in a downtown George Street rooming house after two plain-clothes officers entered his room. Moses, who had a history of mental illness, attacked one of the officers with a hammer. The officers were cleared by the SIU.

Dominic Sabatino (Aug. 9, 1992) Sabatino was shot and killed by police in front of his brothers Etobicoke home after he threatened an officer with a baseball bat. Sabatino, 32, suffered from schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication. The SIU cleared the officers. Lester Donaldson (Aug. 9, 1988) Donaldson, 44, was shot and killed by police when he threatened them with a knife after they entered his rooming house apartment for a report of a disturbance. Donaldson suffered paranoid schizophrenia and had a history of violent clashes with police. The officer who shot him was charged with manslaughter but found not guilty.

M.C.I.T why , where and who:

Responding to recommendations from the Yu inquest, among others, Toronto police created Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams, which now operate in nine police divisions between 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. The two-person teams include a plain-clothes officer and a psychiatric nurse, but police say they are not equipped to respond to immediate threats of violence. I understand 51 division has a Mobile Intervention Unit... they don't work 24 hours around the clock as they SHOULD.. in my opinion. Mr Tonayue, I understand you have had a public OPEN HOUSE with participation of the local C.P.L C to inform the public the M.I.C.T at 51 division as reported on " The bulletin in 2011" : http://www.thebulletin.ca/cbulletin/dialog_printarticle.jsp?sid=1903284759100990 0241128975397&ctid=1000006&cnid=1002787 The 51 Division community police liaison committee (CPLC) met on March 9. The meeting kicked off with a presentation on Torontos mobile crisis intervention team, or MCIT, units by nurse Ellen Marchildon from St. Michaels hospital and P.C. Erin Carter. The mobile crisis intervention team is a partnership program between St. Michaels hospital and 51 and 52 Divisions. The program partners a mental health professional and a police officer who respond to 911 emergency and police dispatch calls involving emotionally disturbed persons.

The MCIT patrols were begun in 2000. Carter has been on the beat since the beginning and has a great deal of passion for her work. Even though there are four different MCIT units covering the city, as one resident advised, Ive never heard of you guys. Marchildon admitted that MCIT could do with more public awareness. The MCIT regularly deals with calls related to homelessness, substance abuse, and admissions to hospital. But, noted community response staff sergeant Rudy Pasini, Being homeless doesnt necessarily mean that youre mentally ill. One of the MCITs biggest limitations relates to the Mental Health Act, which delineates the polices powers to deal with a situational crisis as opposed to a mental health crisis. Pasini updated attendees about recent local incidents involving robberies, gang members and drugs. He also touched on officers concerns about the March day of rage protests, as similar events had resulted in the torching of a dozen police cars in Montreal. Pasini added that the distracted driving campaign had been quite successful for the divisionthe citys second-highest total of 800 tickets, 300 of which were to drivers talking on cell phones, were handed out during the blitz. The opening of 51 Divisions lobby museum was well attended, and there was great interest in the volunteer appreciation night, where several CPLC members were honored for their service to the community. Pasini went on to report that crime is drastically down in Regent Park, and that the Division plans to roll out initiatives to prevent future violence in April. CPLC chair Dev Devgan announced that this years gala will be held Nov. 10 on Queens Quay. She also hinted that a new sponsor has signed on for the big night. Gene Lincoln, community health worker at Regent Park community centre, announced that the divisions annual youth and police basketball game is likely to be held in St. Jamestown in August. Its always a good opportunity to demystify each others perceptions. says Devgan. Lincoln is also organizing an employment seminar to be presented by members of Torontos trade unions to inform youth about a career in the trades.

2011-03-27 09:19:15

REQUEST TO 51 DIVISION MR TONAYUE SUPERINTENDENT

Mr Tonayoue, you may be aware that Staff of T.C.H.C at Regent Park are setting up several Safety Council Committees together. 4 is the number, I believe are within the boundary of 51 Division. If mistaken you could ask Mr. Steve Marshall for info accuracy.

I am an OBSERVER member of such committee here at 220 Oak Street. My goal is to bring education and information to residents of 220 Oak Street. Please have the M.C.I.T unit to provide a training or / and demonstration of the M.I.C.T and what services they provide to residents of Regent Park. I understand the M.I.C.T work in partnership with St Michael's Hospital to meet the 24 hour around the clock service but in my view is not that efficient In this regards you could connect with Lisa-Joan Overholf the new Manager of Safety of T.C.H.C to arrange a date and time. Mr Tanouye, as you can understand in Scarbourgroh 54 and 55 Division work in partnership with the Toronto East General Hospital for 24 hrs service... and what happened then??? What went wrong with the T..H.C resident recently murdered at a T.C.H.C Property by the T.P.S ???

Read more on the partnership with St Michael's Hospital here: http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/programs/mentalhealth/emergency.php Here is an excerpt: Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) The MCIT is a partnership program between St. Michaels Hospital and Toronto Police Divisions 51 and 52. The program partners a mental health professional and a police officer who respond to 911 emergency and police dispatch calls involving emotionally disturbed persons, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The area they respond to includes Bloor to the Lakeshore and Spadina to the Don Valley. To contact the team: Emergencies: 911 Non-emergencies: 416-808-2222

IN CONCLUSION

I am fearless, resilient and committed to bring better solutions to Toronto Residents and taxpayers living in T.C.H.C who suffered from Mental Illnesses. I would work hard to put an END to the murder of people who by not fault of their own are affected by Mental Illnesses.

Mr Tonayue, remember they were at one point NORMAL people who hold jobs, had family and they were respectable members of society and for X.Y and Z reasons they are ill and not well ... they could be your long distance relative, your co-worker, your cousin, brother, sister, father , mother, daughter or son. And WONDER what the T.P.S and the T.C.H.C are going to do whenever a call is put to attend when a person is emotionally disturbed and incoherent.. Who may be having hallucinations and he/she is trying to defend from those "ghosts" or "invisible voices" that are perturbing him or her.. SHOOT THEM DOWN IS THE ANSWER?.... come on Mr Tonauye, these are HUMAN BEINGS ...They are not shooting target for practice by your officers.. they need medical treatment.. don't shoot to kill avoid the abdomen or torso area.. shoot them at the hand, legs to disable the person and subdue.. use your taser, pepper spray.. Why don't you carry SHIELDS?? As in other police departments to subdue a person in mental trouble.. Please stop the killing... Remember it could be ME the next time.. Mr Tonayue; Do you want me to become the next statistical data? How my children are going to find out the truth since the S.I.U sweeps the truth and evidence under the carpet? How are my children going to know what really happened? You tell me Mr. Tonauye. tell me how? File an F.O.I? Silence is the answer these days. No accountability no justice.

I am cc the T.P.S Board Secretary and the Chief of Police assistant Mr Stu Eley I am cc the T.C.H.C Board Secretary and the President and C.E.O of the T.C.H.C also the Health Specialist Mr Ullyomade, Kola I am cc the Chair of the City's Disabilities Committee Councillor Adam Vaughan I am cc the Chair of the Task Force Councillor Nunziata and Lisa-Joan Overholf the T.C.H.C liaison to this committee.

I am Cc the Local Councillor Pam McConell. And last I am cc the Mayor of Toronto This document is also distributed to members of the community who care for the disabled people of Toronto. I am not afraid of being sued.. What are you going to sue? I lost everything in my life, my job at the Zoo, my home, my car ( by officer P.C Mike Austin btw) my health, my family......all I have left is my Dog F.i.D.o and my fearless voice left and half a brain.

Sincerely Yours,

Miguel Avila Resident Leader CIty Hall Monitor HERE IS TODAY STORY AS REPORTED IN THE MEDIA TODAY: Joshua Freeman, CP24.com Published Saturday, June 8, 2013 7:29PM EDT Last Updated Saturday, June 8, 2013 9:48PM EDT A man has died of his injuries following a police-involved shooting in Scarborough, the Province's Special Investigation Unit says. The man was shot after police responded to a Toronto Community Housing building on Adanac Drive shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday evening. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital. PHOTOS Police attend the scene of a shooting on Adanac Drive in Scarborough where a man was fatally shot by police Saturday June 8, 2013. (Eilleen Hendricksen /MyBreakingNews)

Yellow police tape cordons off an area where a man was shot during an interaction with police in the Eglinton Road East and Markham Road area in Scarborough, Ont., Saturday, June 8, 2013. (MyBreakingNews)

Officers at 43 Division told CP24 the man had been shot by police. SIU Investigator Steve Adam told CP24 that Toronto police came to the area after receiving a call about an emotionally disturbed person. However it isnt yet clear if that person was the man who was shot. There was a confrontation just outside the building, Adam said. The man is alleged to have been armed with a knife and one o r more shots were fired by one or more police officers. He said a knife was found at the scene. Susan Kent, a witness at the scene, told CP24 that a neighbour in her building reported being held up by a man with a knife at a nearby bus stop on Eglinton Ave. prior to the shooting, though it wasnt clear if that incident was related to the shooting. Whether the man pulled a knife on the police I dont know, Kent said. I just know that I heard someone say stop and then four shots. The SIU has now assigned five investigators and three forensic investigators to look into the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The SIU is an arm's length agency brought in to investigate whenever police are involved in a death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. The deceased man has not yet been identified. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the lead investigator at 416-622-2150 or 1-800-787-8529 ext. 2150. @Josh_F is on Twitter. Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter. Read more: http://www.cp24.com/news/man-dies-following-police-involvedshooting-in-scarborough-1.1317501#ixzz2Vj5XO4Oy

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