Pubdate: Fri, 26 Nov 2004
Source: North York Mirror (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 North York Mirror
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/northy/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2202
Author: Andrew Palamarchuk
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POLICE HAIL SUCCESS OF CHINESE HOTLINE

A police hotline established for the Chinese community one year ago has 
received 259 calls and helped bust several marijuana grow operations in the 
GTA, officials say.

Tips about Asian gang activity and the abduction and murder of North York 
girl Cecilia Zhang were also received.

The hotline allows tipsters to speak to police in Cantonese or Mandarin 
while remaining anonymous.

Det. Raymond Miu of the intelligence unit said the line was created because 
many members of the Chinese community do not speak English and may not feel 
comfortable speaking to police.

"We find that it's very successful," he said following a news conference at 
the 33 Division station on Upjohn Road Wednesday.

"We do have some cases solved. We did make some arrests as a result of the 
information received from this line."

The detective said police are working to expand the program to include 
other languages like Vietnamese.

The "fight crime direct line" is 416-808-3681.

Community groups have covered the cost of producing and distributing 
posters and fridge magnets that promote the phone number.

Staff Insp. James Ramer, the head of the intelligence unit, said police are 
trying to make members of the Asian community feel comfortable with 
communicating with police.

"The community came to us because they felt there was a need for this, and 
we're just happy to participate," he added. "We think it's an excellent 
initiative."
- ---