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Role of the Public
"Organized crime is about greed and profit. We as a society have to say no to both. Citizens cannot allow either to tempt them to do wrong. Further, police must continue to send a very strong message to criminals that we will not tolerate organized crime in our communities."
Halifax Regional Police, Chief Frank A. Beazley
Canadians all share the threat of organized crime and it is a problem that not only impacts those persons directly involved, but all members of society in one way or another. While law enforcement is actively engaged in combating organized crime, the public also has an important role in keeping communities and homes safe. In addition to abiding by laws and cooperating with law enforcement, the most effective way of dealing with organized crime is through partnerships and sharing information with law enforcement.
As evidenced in the law enforcement operations throughout the Report, intelligence-led policing initiatives are equipped with a current picture of the scope and direction of criminal activity. The responsibility of sharing information with law enforcement agencies is not only to alert police to immediate threats that jeopardize public safety but also to help prevent future similar crimes from taking place. Sharing information plays a vital role in determining which organized crime groups are well positioned and have the capacity to inflict the most harm. The eyes and ears of the public assist with shaping an accurate portrait of organized crime.
The overview of the criminal marketplace in this Report provides Canadians with a general understanding of the capabilities of organized crime and the role of integrated intelligence-led policing in mitigating its negative impact. Any person having information on organized criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police service. If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident, suspect fraud, or that you may be a victim of illicit activity, it is important to contact the police and not to gather evidence yourself. Reporting suspicions, even after the fact, can be an effective means of stopping future criminal activities.
Crime Stoppers provides citizens with a vehicle to anonymously supply the police with information about a crime or potential crime of which they have knowledge. It is a partnership of the public, police and media to contribute to an improved quality of life. If you have information about a crime, phone 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) for the closest Crime Stopper Program to you or visit canadiancrimestoppers.org.
PhoneBusters is the Canadian anti-fraud call centre that collects information on telemarketing, advanced fee fraud letters and identity theft complaints. It is managed on a tri-partite basis by the OPP, RCMP and the Competition Bureau of Canada. The data collected at PhoneBusters is a valuable tool in evaluating the effects of various types of fraud on the public. For more information visit phonebusters.com or 1-888-495-8501.
The Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-free Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in both official languages. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
