Law enforcement agencies across Ontario are joining together in a provincially funded Guns and Gangs Enforcement Strategy, which will greatly enhance our collective effectiveness in the ongoing battle against guns, gangs and violence throughout the province.

A Guns and Gangs Joint-Forces Operation (JFO) led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is expected to increase both intelligence sharing and enforcement action. The Guns and Gangs JFO is made possible through a $75.1 million investment announced last fall by the Ontario government. 

The Guns and Gangs JFO will allow law enforcement partners to collaborate more effectively in order to enhance public safety through the disruption of gang networks and their associated criminal activities. The Guns and Gangs JFO consists of police services from all across Ontario. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) will have two members assigned full-time to this initiative. 

"Across the GTA, and throughout Ontario, we have witnessed a marked increase in guns and gangs-related violence. The safety and security of our community and protecting those who live, work and visit the region of Halton will always be our priority," said Chief Stephen Tanner, of the Halton Regional Police Service. "The violence of these gangs, and the danger of an unprecedented number of illegal crime guns must be stopped. By joining our policing partners across the province in this coordinated and concerted effort to combat violent gangs and the violence they are responsible for, we will enhance the safety of all law-abiding citizens." 

Our commitment to the Guns and Gangs JFO will allow us to work in a multi-jurisdictional environment to collaborate and better understand the guns and gangs landscape in Ontario. 

In 2021, the HRPS seized 24 illegal firearms from our community. In the first six months of 2022 alone, the Service has already seized 16 illegal firearms.

If you have any information or concerns regarding illegal firearms or gang activity in your community, contact the HRPS at 905-825-4777.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.