**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE**

Members of the Timmins Police Service along with officers from police services throughout Ontario were able to ensure the safety of 7 people who were in exploitative situations, including 2 under the age of 18, as a result of Operation Northern Spotlight, a coordinated, national effort to end human trafficking.

Over a seven-day period, 45 police services across Ontario participated in the operation.
Forty-five charges were laid against 15 people. A total of 317 police officers, support staff and victim services professionals engaged with 218 potential victims, as part of a joint effort coordinated by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). This was part of a national operation in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Collaboration among police services is extremely important due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of human trafficking.

Of the seven victims identified:
? Two were recovered by Peel Regional Police Service
? One was recovered by Waterloo Regional Police Service
? Three were recovered by Ottawa Police Service
? One was recovered by Niagara Regional Police Service

During Operation Northern Spotlight, police met with individuals suspected of being in exploitative situations. They are provided contacts and information for community-based support agencies and are offered both immediate and future police assistance to leave the exploitation. The program is not intended to engage those who are not being exploited.

The learning opportunity for Timmins Police officers in terms of Human Trafficking familiarity of illicit practices and potential victim recognition cannot be measured.

Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier states “The impact of Human Trafficking on communities makes this type of criminal activity a priority for the Timmins Police Service. Having our officers take part in this project is an investment in public safety. Any opportunity for Timmins Police

officers to be better acquainted with trends in crime and the methods used by organized crime figures will translate into the ability to recognize and investigate this type of crime at the local level”

Charges stemming from this project include: Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, Failure to Comply with Condition of Undertaking or Recognizance, Forcible Confinement, Trafficking in Persons, Material Benefit – Trafficking, Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Procuring, Assault with a Weapon, Aggravated Assault, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Assault, Pointing a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Criminal Harassment, Uttering Threats, Failing to report contrary to Christopher’s Law (Sex offender Registry), Fail to Comply with SOIRA Order, Identity Fraud, Obstruct a Public Officer or Peace Officer, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Youth Criminal Justice Act: 137 – Fail to Comply with Sentence or Disposition.

Deputy Commissioner Rick BARNUM, OPP Investigations and Organized Crime echoes these sentiments by adding “Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that threatens the safety, livelihood and dignity of those who are being exploited and abused. This is a complex issue that affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society and does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. It is our duty to recognize and protect these people from exploitation and it is imperative that we have a concentrated effort amongst all our partners to be effective.”

Timmins Police Service, staff sergeant Danny Charest is quoted as saying “The Timmins Police Service continues to work in a cohesive fashion with other municipal police forces and with the OPP as part of a provincial strategy to combat Human Trafficking at all levels. The Timmins Police Service is well aware of this trend in crime and are eager to contribute manpower and resources to contribute to a safer community.”

Detective Staff Sergeant Coyer YATEMAN, Anti-Human Trafficking Investigation Coordination Team, Ontario Provincial Police is further quoted as saying “More than 300 police officers, support staff and victim services professionals participated in Operation Northern Spotlight across Ontario. These operations provided outreach to many people, and resulted in the identification of seven victims. As part of Ontario’s Strategy to End Human Trafficking, we will continue to investigate this serious crime to help free victims from a cycle of violence and abuse.”