Today, Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue, with Superintendent Andrew Ecklund of 11 Division, Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, Amanda Campbell, representing Dufferin Mall, and members of the community officially opened the Service’s fourth Community Safety Hub at the Dufferin Mall in 11 Division.

The Community Safety Hub will be a welcoming and accessible space where community members and mall patrons can engage directly with police in a positive, non-enforcement setting. The hub focuses on crime prevention, connection, and trust by meeting people where they already are and addressing their concerns in a neutral space.

“We know that a visible police presence plays an important role in preventing and deterring violence, and that being embedded in the community like this is essential to building trust at the local level,” said Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue. “By being present and engaged within Dufferin Mall, we are taking a proactive approach to community safety through meaningful engagement, strong partnerships, crime prevention, and outreach. We are committed to this ongoing work and to creating an inclusive environment where police and the community can work together to address concerns, build trust and keep people safe.”

The opening of the Hub aligns with the Service’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Operational Roadmap. Built around six guiding pillars, the Roadmap is focused on helping the Service improve how we deliver results for the people of Toronto. Stronger partnerships allow us to build relationships with communities and the private sector so we can work together to address the issues that matter most. And because every Division and neighbourhood is unique, a hyper-local approach allows us to better understand local needs, respond more effectively, and deliver solutions where they are needed most.

Community members who visit the hub will be able to speak one-on-one with Neighbourhood Community Officers about community safety. It will be a hub for crime prevention activities like fraud and scam awareness, youth and senior safety, theft, personal safety, and referrals to community resources and supports.

The Hub will be staffed primarily by Dufferin Grove Neighbourhood Community Officers, with help from other 11 Division units and Auxiliary officers for outreach and engagement.

“The Dufferin Mall Community Safety Hub provides an important opportunity for our Neighbourhood Community Officers to be even more present, accessible and connected to the residents they serve, said Superintendent Andrew Ecklund of 11 Division. “Building strong relationships with the community is at the heart of effective neighbourhood policing. Through ongoing engagement, collaboration and crime prevention, we are working together with residents and community partners to address concerns, build trust and create a safer community for everyone.”

The Service’s three other Community Safety Hubs are located at Fairview Mall, Shops at Don Mills, and in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood.