Photo: Cameron Wilkinson outside the HRPS Headquarters
Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen J. Tanner joined police leaders from across the GTA this week at Ontario’s first policing-led Victims and Survivors Symposium, hosted in Peel Region.
The event brought together more than 250 victims, survivors, community partners, and police services to share experiences and address the impacts of violent crime and repeat offenders.
During the symposium, the Chiefs of Police from Halton, Peel, Durham, and York released a joint set of recommendations aimed at strengthening bail reform, improving supports for victims and survivors, and advancing legislative changes to reduce violent crime. Chief Tanner emphasized the urgent need to break the cycle of “catch-and-release” within the current bail system, stressing that reforms must prioritize victims, hold offenders accountable, and make communities safer.
The discussions highlighted the lived experiences of those impacted by intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, home invasions, and homicide. Systemic gaps and funding shortfalls were also a key focus, with calls for immediate action to ensure victims and survivors receive the support they need.
The symposium was delivered in partnership with Durham, Halton, Peel, and York Regional Police, alongside organizations including the Safe Centre of Peel, Victim Services of Peel, Our Place Peel, and EFry.
For more information on the symposium and its recommendations, click here.
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