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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman