Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: CanWest News Service CROSS-BORDER CRIME FIGHTING URGED TORONTO - Terrorists and drug smugglers know no borders and neither should North American law enforcement agencies, Attorney General Vic Toews told a conference of 2,000 law enforcement delegates gathered in Toronto on Monday. Delegates from nine countries are attending the annual training conference held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national academy -- the first time the event has been held outside the United States. Toews told delegates Canada and the United States are "shining examples" of co-operation but all countries need to work together to fight international crime. "More and more, we realize there are crimes and illicit activities that do not respect borders such as terrorism and the movement of illegal drugs and guns," he said. "We need to work together. ... In a world where crimes and jurisdictions overlap, it is important to develop a comprehensive approach to public safety." Toronto police chief William Blair said gathering police from all over the world in one place builds relationships that improve security. "There has to be a free-flowing exchange of information between us to keep our respective communities safe," he said. Conference delegates will participate in closed-door sessions on a range of issues, from bioterrorism and cross-border security to international auto theft and child exploitation. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman