It works on television with shows like “America’s Most Wanted”. Tips from these types of shows have brought many criminals to justice. Toronto Police Services have taken advantage of the information age and launched a Homicide Squad website in order to seek the public’s assistance in solving open murder cases. This is an issue that affects all of us in Toronto no matter which neighbourhood we live in because we don’t live in isolation. Even if you live in what you believe is a safe area, you don’t stay holed up in your little enclave. You get out and about and participate in work, events, and activities all over the city. Let us not forget the tragic shooting death of Jane Creba outside the Eaton Centre in broad daylight on Boxing Day. How many Torontonians don’t visit the Eaton Centre at some point during the year?

We should all at least have a look at the website. It is user friendly and organized in a simple and rational way. You never know what may jog a memory that could be helpful in solving a crime. There is a section for Unsolved Current Investigations, Unsolved Cold Cases dating back to 1973, and our own Most Wanted List. It would probably serve us all well to have a look at the dangerous criminals on the loose in the event that we have a chance encounter with any of them.

To familiarize yourself with the different Police Divisions, their locations, and who is patrolling in your neighbourhood there is a complete list and Division Map.  Torontonians concerned about crime in their neighbourhoods can now sign up for updates from the police about what is happening across Toronto. Sign up here.

If you had a family member who was a victim of homicide, Toronto Police Services - Victim Service has prepared a guide
to provide you with information about the investigative process and to help you to identify available resources.

We all need to get involved and do our part to make Toronto as safe as possible. And, one of our responsibilities as residents is to come forward with any information that we may have that could be helpful to the police in solving any crime - especially a homicide.