Integration is key to organized crime fight: panel

One of the best ways for Canadian law enforcement agencies to overcome the challenges behind lengthy, expensive and complex criminal investigations is to integrate-and then integrate some more. This was the overwhelming consensus reached by four panelists during an organized crime seminar held at the Canadian Police College last February.

"These investigations (into organized criminal activity) require a great deal of surveillance, so they are incredibly expensive to conduct," said Toronto Police Chief William Blair. "We can only afford them if they are integrated efforts."

It was a boon for law enforcers to have the new "criminal organization" charges introduced in 2001 under anti-gang legislation (Bill C-24), panellists agreed. According to C-24, those offenders found to be associated with a criminal organization are subject to 14 years over and above any substantive charges. Those who are found to be directing a criminal organization could face life in prison.

However, building a case that will support such charges is a formidable challenge for police investigators, said Blair, adding it requires a lot of intelligence-gathering, including extensive wiretapping efforts. Such an operation could go on for several years, after which time police need people to transcribe phone intercepts and pool all of the intelligence together into a comprehensive disclosure package that can be presented in court.

For past investigations involving criminal organization charges, which are found in section 467 of the Criminal Code, the Toronto Police Service has teamed up with other police agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, the RCMP and provincial prosecutors who are dedicated to the investigation from start to finish, Blair said.

George Dolhai, senior general counsel with the Department of Justice’s Federal Prosecution Service, said it’s crucial for the prosecution to consult with police from Day 1 of any investigation where criminal organization charges are the end goal. "The (eventual) trial in a complex case is often a trial of the investigation. The more police have an eye out for the prosecution’s (needs), the stronger position they will be in at the time of takedown."

Police can also keep an investigation’s cost at bay by ensuring it has a clear focus and specific objective, added Graeme Cameron, deputy director of the Ontario Crown Law Office - Criminal. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the overall goal, he said, especially during projects that span several years

RCMP Gazette Vol. 68, Issue 2 2006