Police in Ontario now have a new tool in their arsenal to keep a closer eye on repeat and violent offenders.
The Ontario government has launched its new Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard, a situational awareness and investigative tool that is managed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The dashboard allows police services to monitor, consolidate and share critical information to ensure those out on bail for firearms-related offences comply with their release conditions.
“This province-wide mapping database is a significant step forward in enhancing public safety by equipping our members with the tools needed to effectively track offenders released on bail for firearm-related offences,” said Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, in a news release. “The dashboard will lead to increased collaboration between police services throughout the province and give more information to police service members to better protect our communities. Initiatives like this demonstrate a commitment to community safety and the importance of supporting front-line officers in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”
The province has provided the dashboard to the OPP, Guelph Police Service, York Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service and Toronto Police Service. The service is also available to all Ontario municipal and First Nation police services that want to participate.
The Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard is part of the Ontario government’s 112 million investment to strengthen bail monitoring and enforcement in the province.